Materazzi Slams United's McTominay Sale as 'Biggest Transfer Blunder'

Manchester United have come under fire for flogging one of football's rising talents on the cheap, with World Cup winner Marco Materazzi declaring the Scott McTominay transfer a historic disaster.

The Scotland midfielder, who spent his formative years progressing through United's academy, was shipped off to Napoli in 2024 for a mere £26m—a decision that now looks increasingly questionable. While McTominay had proven a capable performer for his boyhood club, there were lingering question marks over whether he possessed the consistency required to anchor United's midfield week in, week out.

His final campaign at Old Trafford proved pivotal, though. Operating in a more advanced position, McTominay demonstrated the kind of attacking prowess that suggested he could evolve into something special. United, apparently, weren't convinced enough to keep him around.

Fast forward to the present day, and McTominay has become a revelation in Italy. The 29-year-old played a starring role as Napoli claimed the Serie A crown last season and has accumulated an impressive 34 goal contributions across 73 matches for the Italian outfit. His stock has soared accordingly.

Materazzi, speaking to Hajper, pulled no punches in assessing United's blunder. "I love Scott McTominay. I love him so much," the former Inter Milan defender began. "When he broke through at Manchester United as a youngster I laughed because I said to my son that even at 18 or 19 this is a player who will go on to be one of the best players in the world, and now he is one of the best."

The ex-centre-back was particularly scathing about the fee. "He is an incredible box-to-box player. I don't understand how United sold him for nothing because his value, for me, is £60-70m or more and they sold him for just £26m," Materazzi continued.

"Is that one of the biggest transfer mistakes we've ever seen? I think so, absolutely."

Materazzi even mused on McTominay's future potential, though tempered his optimism. "Can Scott McTominay win the Ballon d'Or some day? It's a nice idea because I love him as a player. But I don't think he will be champion in the World Cup with Scotland and it's not easy when you don't win the biggest trophies."

As for McTominay himself, there's little indication he's pining for a swift return to England. Contracted to Napoli until 2028, he's been touted as a potential Premier League target of late, yet has made his contentment clear.

"My agent has not communicated with anyone regarding my future," he told Corriere dello Sport in February. "He only speaks with me and with the club. He hasn't said anything to the newspapers. I am extremely happy here and, as far as I am concerned, I am a Napoli player; it is all I think about."

McTominay went further in expressing his long-term ambitions. "The future is very important, and I could see myself in Napoli for a long time. I love this place. Difficulties have been minimal, my family is happy and I'm happy."

For United, it's another chapter in a succession of questionable recruitment decisions—and one that will sting for years to come.