Manchester United Urged to Rectify 'Devastating' Transfer Mistake by Re-Signing £26m Star
Manchester United are facing mounting pressure to re-sign Scott McTominay this summer, with club legend Teddy Sheringham describing his 2024 departure as a 'devastating' transfer mistake that must be corrected. The Red Devils are already planning for the upcoming transfer window, although their financial flexibility will heavily depend on securing Champions League qualification.
United's Midfield Dilemma and Champions League Push
Manchester United's immediate priority remains securing a top-four finish in the Premier League. The team had fallen outside Champions League positions when manager Ruben Amorim was dismissed, but under caretaker boss Michael Carrick, they have fought their way back into contention for European football's premier competition.
With Casemiro's impending departure creating a significant void in central midfield, United have been linked with several potential replacements including Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton. However, Sheringham believes the solution lies in bringing back a familiar face rather than pursuing new talent.
Sheringham's Passionate Plea for McTominay's Return
'I'm devastated to see Scott McTominay performing so well somewhere else,' Sheringham declared in an exclusive interview with MrQ. 'Manchester United could do with Scott McTominay right this minute. When he left Manchester United, I wasn't happy. Scott McTominay is one of those players who digs in when things aren't going quite so well and makes things happen.'
The former United striker emphasized McTominay's value during difficult periods: 'I think that's exactly what you need when you're struggling. To see him doing so well at Napoli just makes it even more of a bad move on Manchester United's part, but I am delighted for him on a personal level that he's doing so well in Italy.'
Sheringham issued a stark warning about potential Premier League competition: 'If he comes back to England, then there's no way Manchester United can miss out on him. He simply cannot come back to the Premier League without going to Manchester United. That would be a travesty. That cannot happen. If he's coming back to the Premier League, then he has to go to Old Trafford.'
McTominay's Impressive Napoli Career
McTominay made 255 appearances for his boyhood club before Manchester United sold him to Italian giants Napoli for just under £26 million in 2024. The Scotland international enjoyed a sensational debut season in Naples, earning a Ballon d'Or nomination after helping Antonio Conte's side secure the Serie A title.
While his performances have been slightly less spectacular this season, McTominay has still contributed ten goals across all competitions. Napoli currently sit third in Serie A, eleven points behind leaders Inter Milan, and suffered an early exit from the Champions League during the group stage.
Strachan's Cautious Counterpoint
Former Manchester United midfielder Gordon Strachan offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting it might be a mistake for McTominay to return to Old Trafford despite acknowledging his impressive development in Italy.
'I don't think Scott McTominay should retrace his steps,' Strachan told BetVictor. 'I think he has to go into a system that allows him to be the midfield player who gets into the box without too many touches. I think that's what he fell upon at Napoli, a system that suits him to be free to just get in the box. Would Manchester United play like that?'
Strachan questioned whether United's current tactical setup would maximize McTominay's strengths: 'Because you've got Bruno Fernandes playing as a number 10 now, and they've got to change Fernandes for anybody else, I doubt it. They've got to have the other players who are more set to a certain extent, but Bruno gets forward, even Casemiro gets forward.'
The former Scotland manager highlighted the importance of system compatibility: 'But does he like going back there, McTominay, taking the ball from the back four, and playing from there and running from there? Or does he prefer being 30 yards further up the pitch, waiting for crosses, doing edge-of-the-box stuff? It's got to be a system that suits him.'
Summer Transfer Window Implications
As Manchester United prepare for the summer transfer window, the debate surrounding McTominay's potential return highlights the complex decisions facing the club's recruitment team. With Champions League qualification still uncertain and midfield reinforcements clearly needed, the £26 million sale that once seemed like good business now appears increasingly questionable to many United supporters and former players.
Napoli's recent 2-2 draw against top-four rivals Roma and their upcoming match against Atalanta will be closely monitored by United scouts, as McTominay's performances could directly influence both his market value and the urgency of United's pursuit.
