Paulo Di Canio thinks Manchester United's directors should be locked up for selling 27-year-old star

Paulo Di Canio has questioned Manchester United's decision to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli this past summer. The Scotland international left the Reds in a reported £25.7 million deal and is flourishing in Serie A under Antonio Conte.

The ever-outspoken Di Canio put United's owners on blast for selling McTominay, who has bagged two goals and one assist in eight games in Naples. The Premier League icon said (via CalcioNapoli24):

"I would go to to arrest all the directors: how do you give McTominay away?"

Paulo Di Canio

McTominay is linking up superbly with former United striker Romelu Lukaku and Georgian winger Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. Conte is using him as a No.10 and its reaping its rewards with the Scottish midfielder's energy and proven eye for goal impressing at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Did Manchester United make a mistake selling Scott McTominay?

McTominay rose through the youth ranks at Manchester United before debuting at senior level in 2017. He was a mainstay in the Red Devils side under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, and Erik ten Hag.

The Lancaster-born midfielder made 255 appearances, registering 29 goals and eight assists. He was Ten Hag's savior on several occasions last season, playing the role of a super sub and popping up with vital goals.

McTominay posted 10 goals and three assists in 43 games across competitions. He came on as a sub in 16 of those games and scored winners in 2-1 wins against Brentford, Aston Villa and Chelsea.

"It's the rules" - Erik ten Hag explained Manchester United's decision to sell

Ten Hag acknowledged the important role McTominay played in his team and before then at Old Trafford. The Dutch coach clarified that rules led to the Scot's departure (via Sky Sports):

"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 parties, it’s a good deal.
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Erik ten Hag

The Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR) were a key reason behind McTominay's departure. The Red Devils wanted to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain and the Scot made way for the Uruguayan's arrival

Red Devil Armada Verdict

There were positives and negatives behind McTominay's sale, given that the Scot hadn't been a regular starter last season. He was still a valuable asset for Ten Hag and offered versatility, which is displayed at Napoli.

However, seeing him flourish in Naples in an attacking midfield role is frustrating because Bruno Fernandes has struggled this season. It's good to see him proving critics wrong who often scrutinized him during his United career, particularly when forming a midfield duo with Fred.

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