'I didn't want this' - Erik ten Hag expresses frustration over midfielder's exit as he slams 'bad rules' that 'forced' Man Utd into sale

United pocketed €30.5 million (£25.4m/$33.6m) after agreeing to sell McTominay to Napoli this summer and included a significant 10 per cent sell-on clause. As the Scotland international is a product of the club’s youth academy, his sale was considered 'pure profit,' a factor that was particularly important for the club’s compliance with Premier League and UEFA financial regulations. But manager Ten Hag has hinted it may have been a mistake letting the attacking midfielder - who has scored two goals and bagged one assist for the Serie A team - go.

Ten Hag had earlier revealed he was not happy with the Scottish midfielder - who spent 22 years at the club - exiting Old Trafford and on Friday he reiterated his frustration to reporters.

"I’m very happy for Scott. As I said, when he left, I didn’t want this but that’s the rules the club had to deal with. The rules are, I would even say, bad, but that’s the situation created. It forced us to make this decision," he said.

The Dutchman also hinted that the club might consider exercising the buy-back clause in Alvaro Fernandez's contract to bring the youngster back to Old Trafford. The left-back joined Benfica this summer but an Old Trafford return is a possibility.

"I think the process is perfect, we have a buy-back, so we have control of the situation. We have to assess the situation if he can maybe be an option for us in future, but playing for Manchester United in the Premier League is not so easy. You need experience," he added.

The Red Devils, who have endured a tough start to the 2024/25 campaign as they sit 14th in the Premier League, will be back in action on Saturday afternoon as they take on Brentford in a home clash at Old Trafford.