Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he was “almost shocked” when Manchester United decided to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli in the summer of 2024 — a move driven by the club’s efforts to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Speaking on The Stick to Football Podcast with Gary Neville, the former United manager said he was stunned to see a player who embodied the club’s identity and standards allowed to leave, particularly given McTominay’s rise to stardom in Serie A.
“I was almost shocked because you need or want a core of the local lads — ones who get the club. Scott did,” Solskjaer said. “For me, I think he’s shown in Italy how good of a player he is. His character, personality around the place, he sets the standards, and he’d survive when we played 100 per cent.”
McTominay’s success story at Napoli
Since his €30 million (£26m) move, McTominay has flourished under Antonio Conte in Naples. The 28-year-old enjoyed a breakout first season, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists in 39 appearances as Napoli stormed to their fourth Scudetto. His performances earned him Serie A’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award — an impressive feat for a midfielder once deemed expendable at Old Trafford.
“He was voted Serie A Player of the Year last year and won the league with Napoli,” Solskjaer continued. “He’s one of those players you only realise how good he is once he’s gone — how important he can be.”
McTominay’s market value has since climbed to €50m (£44m) according to Transfermarkt, reflecting his transformation from squad player to one of Europe’s most effective box-to-box midfielders.
| Stat (2024/25 – Napoli) | Scott McTominay |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 39 |
| Goals | 13 |
| Assists | 9 |
| League Titles Won | 1 (Serie A 2024/25) |
| Awards | Serie A MVP |
source: Transfermarkt / Serie A Official Data – 12 November 2025
PSR realities forced United’s hand
Former United manager Erik ten Hag previously confirmed that the club’s decision to sell McTominay was financially motivated. The midfielder’s sale represented pure profit in PSR calculations, helping United stay within spending limits after their heavy outlay on transfers in previous windows.
While the move proved pragmatic from a business standpoint, many within the club — and now Solskjaer himself — felt McTominay’s leadership and professionalism were a loss to the dressing room.
At Napoli, Conte has given McTominay greater attacking freedom, deploying him higher up the pitch rather than in the holding role he often occupied at United. Solskjaer also suggested that the arrival of Bruno Fernandes shifted McTominay deeper during his time at Old Trafford.
“Bruno’s arrival meant Scott had to adjust, but he always did what was asked. He’s shown since that, given more freedom, he can be decisive,” Solskjaer said.
Our View: A transfer that benefited one side more than the other
In our view, McTominay’s move to Napoli has been one of the best-value deals in recent European football. For United, it made financial sense amid PSR pressure, but in footballing terms, they lost a leader and goalscoring midfielder who continues to thrive abroad.
His Serie A success underscores how tactical context can transform a player’s career. Under Conte, McTominay’s energy, late runs, and goal threat have made him indispensable — attributes United’s current midfield still lacks.
Key Insights
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he was “almost shocked” by McTominay’s sale.
- McTominay joined Napoli for €30m in 2024 amid PSR restrictions.
- He scored 13 goals and 9 assists last season, winning Serie A MVP.
- Erik ten Hag confirmed the sale was financially necessary.
- McTominay’s value has since risen to €50m after thriving under Antonio Conte.
What’s Next
McTominay remains a key figure for Napoli as they defend their Serie A crown and compete in the Champions League. For Manchester United, manager Ruben Amorim could be forgiven for wishing he still had the Scotland international’s presence and drive in midfield.
👉 Manchester United fans — was selling Scott McTominay the right call under PSR pressure, or has his success in Italy proven the club wrong?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 13 Nov 2025 21:32
I mean, was he that good for United? As he’s now for Napoli? Serie A is a total different league than the PL. How would he have fitted in the current system? For who?
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