Graeme Souness delivers verdict on £102m Man Utd transfer business | OneFootball

Manchester United have struggled badly in the Premier League this season, and their transfer policy has often been questioned in recent years.

After an ill-fated spell under Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils are looking to grow steadily under Ruben Amorim, but the Portuguese boss understands that the task of rebuilding won’t be straightforward.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently said in an interview that some of the players the club purchased in recent transfer windows aren’t good enough.

One of the major decisions that baffled many Man Utd fans last summer was the transfer of homegrown boy Scott McTominay to Napoli.

Despite scoring ten goals in 2023-24, the academy product wasn’t considered good enough by the Dutchman and was sold to the Serie A club for around £25m.

McTominay has become a key player for Napoli this season and recently scored for Scotland in their 1-0 win over Greece.

Graeme Souness feels that United will regret the decision to sell a “workaholic” and “fantastic” midfielder. The Red Devils spent big money on Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte to bolster their midfield, both for around £102m, and the popular pundit says it was an “atrocious” piece of judgment.

What Graeme Souness said about Scott McTominay

Writing for the Daily Mail, Souness notes: “Oh how Manchester United must regret selling Scott McTominay, whose penalty gave Scotland a win in Greece on Thursday night.

“He’s a fantastic modern footballer. A high-energy, box-to-box workaholic who chips in with important goals.

“He was 27 years old and not hurting United with his wages when the club’s ‘decision-makers’ thought it was a bright idea to sell him to Napoli for £25million.

“They’d gone out and spent £58m on an ageing, 30-year-old Casemiro, and paid him £370,000 a week. And another £42m on Manuel Ugarte. Collective transfer fees of £100m.

“Would someone at United please hold their hand up and say, ‘This was my shout.’ Because it’s been an atrocious piece of judgment. The perfect example of the mismanagement on an industrial scale at that club since Fergie packed in.”

Man Utd must look to end the season on a high

United have a very good manager in Amorim, but he must be given proper time to build the squad to his image.

The Red Devils are 13th in the Premier League, and it is difficult for them to break into the top ten this season.

However, they can still end the campaign on a high by winning the Europa League, although it is easier said than done.

The summer transfer window will become crucial once again. It is high time that United get rid of their fringe and unwanted overpaid players and bring in fresh young talents.