Ten Hag reveals United broke promise over McTominay sale, leaving him 'embarrassed and disappointed'

Erik ten Hag says he was left “very embarrassed and disappointed” after Manchester United sold Scott McTominay to Napoli in the summer of 2024, directly contradicting a promise he claims the club’s leadership made to him during contract extension talks.

Ten Hag, sacked by United in October 2024 and now technical director at his boyhood club FC Twente, made the revelation in a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic. He described a meeting in Ibiza at which he says United agreed to back him in the transfer window and retain McTominay specifically. “I said, ‘No selling Scott McTominay’,” Ten Hag recalled. “We would go aligned in the transfer window. I make an argument, a reason: we don’t have scoring abilities. Scott brings scoring abilities and great mentality. He has United in all his veins. So when they bring up the subject, ‘No’. And in the end they sold him.”

McTominay joined Napoli for £25.7m and has since flourished in Serie A, playing a central role in the Naples side that won the Italian title in his debut season. United used the proceeds to sign Manuel Ugarte.

The Dutchman was more broadly critical of the period following Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover in late 2023, describing the Ineos era as one of disruption and broken commitments. “The takeover process brought a lot of noise, uncertainty with the people, and disruptions. It was difficult to work, that’s clear. It was very complicated,” he said. Of the promises made ahead of his contract extension — triggered two weeks after United’s 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City — he added: “They promised me loyalty, they promised me backing, they promised communication, that we get aligned. We spoke about the issues. But the promises, they didn’t keep.”

Ten Hag also touched on a structural dispute that foreshadowed tensions later made public by his successor Ruben Amorim. He said Ratcliffe raised the idea of redefining his role as head coach rather than manager after their first meeting at Carrington, a distinction Ten Hag said conflicted with the terms of his existing contract.

Despite his criticisms, Ten Hag said he retained fond memories of his time at Old Trafford and backed current head coach Michael Carrick to keep his position at the club.