Manchester needs to sell to buy this summer, which means some difficult decisions about who to let go in Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad.
Erik Ten Hag most likely doesn’t want to think about the other option after a sliding doors incident from the previous summer. He may have easily lost his work as a result of his decision.
A year ago, the Dutchman was willing to let go of Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire to reorganize his team. Although there was interest in McTominay and an accepted proposal for Maguire, neither transfer materialized. Maguire rejected West Ham, and McTominay’s departure was impeded by Kobbie Mainoo’s injury.
That the two players Ten Hag thought were surplus to requirements ended up being so important perfectly captures the tumultuous atmosphere of the previous season. Despite suffering severe injuries, Maguire and McTominay were among the better players.
Although they both had crucial roles in keeping the season mostly on course, Maguire’s injury kept him out of the FA Cup final. If he hadn’t been injured, he most likely wouldn’t have begun in the first place. McTominay only played the last seven minutes.
That accurately depicts their position within the team. Ten Hag would put McTominay and Maguire on the bench if they had a completely fit group to pick from. For this reason, despite their near-leave of the club a year ago, their efforts this season haven’t secured another contract at Old Trafford.
It’s well known that United has to raise money through sales, and two players who should draw interest once more are Maguire and McTominay. The fate of Maguire may hinge on the sale of Victor Lindelof.
Last season, McTominay was even more crucial than the center-back. Ten Hag was a player willing to sell goals so lucrative they kept him employed. Crucial goals included his opening goal in the FA Cup quarterfinal against Liverpool, his late winner at Aston Villa, and his winning doubles against Brentford and Chelsea at Old Trafford.
That served as a reminder of McTominay’s talent, and after the handbrake was removed, ten goals were scored again. He can play as a holding midfielder, but when allowed to get forward, he performs best since he can run into the box at the ideal moment and finish deftly. His seven goals for Scotland during the 2024 Euro qualification campaign served as more proof of his threat on the opposing end.
After losing to Germany 5-1 on the opening night of the European Championship, McTominay will be looking to contribute significantly to his nation in Cologne today. McTominay seems like a crucial player if they are to win against Switzerland.
Should he conclude this tournament with a bang, United may be tempted to sell the 27-year-old in response to additional bids. As an academy graduate, he is expected to command a fee of at least £35 million, which would increase the club’s earnings and sustainability in the Premier League and represent pure profit on the books.
The Scot would almost definitely need a replacement for Casemiro, another midfielder who is expected to go this summer, but if he performs well on the international scene, United’s new football hierarchy may decide that now is the best moment to sell.
One might argue that McTominay is the type of academy graduate who Old Trafford should always use to bolster their squads. As seen repeatedly during the previous season, he is a dependable contributor when called upon.
However, McTominay is one of United’s most marketable commodities, and the team is currently in a situation where they need to raise money. Another reason a departure should be contemplated is because the Premier League’s financial fair play regulations effectively encourage the selling of youth players.
Theoretically, McTominay ought to have demonstrated his worth at United by the end of the previous campaign. He also had so much potential that it merely increased the likelihood of a departure.