Erik ten Hag 'wanted' Scott McTominay to remain at Man Utd as Red Devils boss reflects on disappointing £30m Napoli transfer

McTominay is on the cusp of signing a contract with the Serie A club to complete a transfer worth a reported £25 million ($34m), with the Scotland international already in Italy to finalise the deal.

McTominay joined the United youth academy as a five-year-old and has spent his entire career with the Red Devils, making 255 senior appearances for the club. He proved a valuable asset for the Old Trafford club, finishing last season as his team's joint-third top scorer in all competitions with 10 goals from 43 appearances. The 27-year-old's long period of service was important to Ten Hag, who would rather have kept him at the club.

"I'm very happy for him and for us, but it's mixed [feelings] because I would have preferred not to lose him," the Dutchman said at a press conference on Friday. "He has Manchester United in his veins."

Ten Hag later added: "He was so important for our team, he was at Manchester United for over 22 years. But unfortunately, it's the rules. You have to discuss the rules to do sales and obviously homegrown players, academy players, bring more value. It's not the right thing to do but for everyone, for all parts, it's a good deal. For Scott, he is happy with it. Of course, for Napoli, a very good player but also for us."

McTominay's transfer to Napoli is expected to be confirmed soon while Ten Hag and his current crop of United stars gear up for Sunday's Premier League encounter against Liverpool at Old Trafford.