World Cup winner Marco Materazzi has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United's board, branding the sale of Scott McTominay as 'one of the biggest transfer mistakes ever'. The former Italy defender, who was part of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad, expressed his admiration for the Scotland international and criticized the Red Devils for letting him go for a cut-price fee.
McTominay's Rise Since Leaving Old Trafford
Scott McTominay, an academy graduate at Manchester United, made 255 appearances for the club before being sold to Napoli in 2024 for £26 million. Since his move to the Serie A giants, the midfielder has flourished under manager Antonio Conte. In his first season in Naples, McTominay helped Napoli win the league title and was named the Most Valuable Player in the division. His performances earned him a nomination for the Ballon d'Or after scoring 13 goals in all competitions, a tally he has matched in the current campaign.
Materazzi's Verdict
Materazzi, speaking to Hajper, did not hold back in his criticism of Manchester United's decision-making. 'I love Scott McTominay,' he said. 'When he broke through at Manchester United as a youngster, I told my son that even at 18 or 19, this is a player who will become one of the best in the world. Now he is one of the best.' The former defender questioned the logic behind the transfer fee, stating, 'I don't understand how United sold him for nothing. His value is £60-70 million or more, and they sold him for just £26 million. Is that one of the biggest transfer mistakes we've ever seen? Absolutely.'
Could McTominay Win the Ballon d'Or?
When asked about McTominay's potential to win the Ballon d'Or, Materazzi was cautiously optimistic. 'It's a nice idea because I love him as a player,' he said. 'But I don't think he will win the World Cup with Scotland, and it's not easy to win the biggest trophies without that.'
Future Speculation
Despite being linked with a return to Manchester United, McTominay has expressed his happiness at Napoli. 'I am extremely happy here,' he said earlier this year. 'As far as I am concerned, I am a Napoli player; it is all I think about. 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.' Napoli, however, surrendered their Serie A title to Inter Milan this season, meaning McTominay's second consecutive league crown eluded him.
Manchester United's Transfer Woes
United have been criticized for their transfer dealings since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. While the club was hailed for its shrewd business under Ferguson, several high-profile signings have underwhelmed, and players sold have gone on to excel elsewhere. McTominay's success at Napoli is another example of this trend. As the summer transfer window approaches, United have been linked with a move to re-sign the midfielder, but McTominay's commitment to Napoli suggests a return is unlikely.
