Ten Hag reveals McTominay was sold against his wishes as United weigh Old Trafford return

Erik ten Hag has publicly stated that Manchester United sold Scott McTominay to Napoli in the summer of 2024 against both his own wishes and the manager’s explicit instructions — a revelation that comes as reports suggest INEOS are now exploring a return for the Scottish midfielder.

Speaking to The Athletic, ten Hag described a meeting in Ibiza at which he believed he had secured an agreement to keep McTominay. “In Ibiza, we agreed. I said, ‘No selling Scott McTominay,’” the Dutchman recalled. “Scott brings scoring abilities and a great mentality. He has [Manchester] United in all his veins. So, when they bring up the subject: ‘No’. And in the end they sold him. I got, of course, very embarrassed and disappointed.”

McTominay departed Old Trafford for £25 million — including add-ons — with Manuel Ugarte signed as his replacement. Ten Hag himself was sacked in October 2024, just months after the deal was completed.

The 28-year-old has since vindicated ten Hag’s faith emphatically. At Napoli, McTominay contributed 37 goals and assists in 85 appearances — the same tally it had taken him 255 games to reach at United — and was named Serie A’s Player of the Season as Antonio Conte’s side claimed the Italian title.

According to a report from Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, relayed by TEAMtalk, INEOS are now keen to bring McTominay back to Old Trafford. Tavolieri’s report states that the player’s agent “maintains close relationships with several Premier League clubs and has already held preliminary discussions regarding McTominay’s future,” and that the midfielder is “nostalgic… and open to the idea of returning to the Premier League.” Aston Villa are also said to have made an approach in April.

United currently sit 13th in the Premier League and are under significant pressure, with manager Michael Carrick’s position reported to be under threat. The club face Napoli’s city rivals Como in the Champions League on Wednesday — a trip to Italy that adds an ironic backdrop to the McTominay speculation.