Manchester United's Scott McTominay was reportedly sold for his 'pure profit' value, despite players and Erik ten Hag wanting him to stay.
Ten Hag's team have been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee as a new forward and defensive reinforcements in Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
Midfielder Manuel Ugarte also joined the ranks, where he might have anticipated competing with academy graduate McTominay. The Scotland international, who had been with United since he was five, was one of their standout performers last season and is reported to have been well-liked in the dressing room and highly regarded by club staff. READ MORE: Manchester United complete Scott McTominay sale as transfer fee for midfielder confirmed READ MORE: 'I loved every minute' - Scott McTominay gives emotional goodbye speech after Manchester United exit However, McTominay was sold to Antonio Conte's Napoli for a reported £25million, freeing up funds for the club to spend £42.5m on Ugarte.
The Independent reported that Ten Hag, staff, and fellow players would've preferred if he stayed at Old Trafford. However, due to the value that academy products hold in terms of profit and sustainability rules, McTominay was allowed to depart, reports the Mirror.