Former Man United striker Louis Saha has said that it was a mistake for the Red Devils to sell midfielder Scott McTominay to Napoli. 

The Red Devils are hoping to sell several players this summer, as they aim to rebuild under Ruben Amorim. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are all expected to depart to bring in transfer funds.

Last year, United sold eight players, with the biggest sale in terms of transfer fee being midfielder Scott McTominay, who Serie A side Napoli paid £26m for. The Scottish international had been at United since he began his youth career, and made over 250 appearances, scoring 29 goals and providing eight assists.

However, former Red Devil Louis Saha believes it was a mistake to get rid of the 28-year-old. He told Coin Poker: “I felt like Scott McTominay was a mistake when it happened.

“He was very efficient even if he didn’t play every game. He’d provide legs, physicality, height. He was still full of desire, passion and loyalty. Those are all things United have missed in the last few years.

“We need more players like Scott, not to sell them. When United were at their best we always had players who could do that job. Phil Neville, John O’Shea, Quinton Fortune, Wes Brom and Darren Fletcher. They were all amazing, not like Cristiano and Wayne Rooney, but vital to the balance of the squad.”

“We wouldn’t reach finals without them, and we couldn’t win titles without them. They were players who would sacrifice every week, just like McTominay. You need to let those players develop, not frustrate them. Obviously you need your flair players, maybe they have more dominating agents, but the balance is all wrong. Letting him go was one of the biggest mistakes the club has made, and they need to rectify that.”

McTominay is now worth an estimated €50m, after a season for Napoli where he made 39 appearances for Antonio Conte’s side, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists.

Man United hoping to sign McTominay replacement

As Amorim continues to bring in players to fit his system, there is one name linked to United who is a similar player to the departed Scot.

PSG’s Fabian Ruiz has emerged as a target for Man United this summer, and could be the ideal replacement for McTominay. He plays as a defensive midfielder too, who can attack, but also isn’t afraid to get stuck in.

Ruiz is expected to cost at least £40m, after a season where he made 58 appearances for PSG, scoring six goals, 11 assists, and helping them to a Premier League title.