Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be having second thoughts about one of Manchester United’s most controversial transfer decisions in recent years — the sale of Scott McTominay. The British billionaire reportedly believes letting the Scottish midfielder go was a major error during Ruben Amorim’s early months in charge at Old Trafford.
McTominay, who was sold for what Ratcliffe described as “a penny,” has since rediscovered his best form and become one of the most in-form midfielders in the Premier League, outperforming several big names such as Enzo Fernández and Bryan Mbeumo. According to insiders at the club, Ratcliffe was shocked by McTominay’s resurgence and now feels that United let go of a crucial player because of what he calls a “short-sighted” managerial call.
The midfielder’s exit was part of Amorim’s plan to rebuild United’s midfield around younger, more technically adaptable players. The Portuguese manager argued that McTominay’s box-to-box style didn’t fit his system, which prioritised possession and fluidity. However, that decision now appears questionable. Since the move, McTominay has been on a remarkable run, scoring vital goals and delivering commanding performances week after week.
“Sold for a penny, and now he’s one of the best in his position,” Ratcliffe was overheard saying during an internal meeting. “If he were still here, we might be in the title race.”
McTominay’s rebirth has been one of the stories of the season. His intensity, aerial prowess, and leadership have made him indispensable to his new club, earning him praise from pundits and fans alike. Once criticized for lacking creativity, the 27-year-old has silenced doubters by evolving into a complete midfielder — combining strength, tactical discipline, and an eye for goal. Some analysts have even drawn parallels between his transformation and that of Declan Rice and John McGinn.
Behind the scenes, Ratcliffe’s frustration reportedly extends beyond McTominay’s sale. He is said to be growing uneasy with Amorim’s transfer strategy, which heavily favours continental players over proven Premier League talents. For Ratcliffe, McTominay represented the heart and soul of Manchester United — a player who fought for the badge and embodied the club’s traditional spirit.
“Scott was one of those players who gave everything — loyal, proud, and fearless,” a close source revealed. “Selling him didn’t feel right.”
Supporters have echoed those sentiments online. “Amorim should’ve kept McTominay. He’s scoring for fun while we can’t control the midfield,” one fan posted on X. Another wrote, “This was never about ability — it was about heart. McTominay bled for this club.” Rival fans have also joined the conversation, acknowledging how much the midfielder has flourished since leaving Old Trafford.
Amorim, meanwhile, is under mounting pressure. While his defensive improvements have earned some praise, his midfield decisions continue to divide opinion. If Ratcliffe’s dissatisfaction grows, it could strain their working relationship further — especially if McTominay continues to thrive elsewhere.
For Ratcliffe, the whole saga has become a painful lesson about the dangers of undervaluing loyalty and identity in pursuit of tactical perfection. As he reportedly told colleagues, “We could have been challenging for the league title if he was still here.” That single sentence captures what many Manchester United supporters have been feeling — a sense of regret for losing one of their own.
