Ex-Man Utd star names big 'mistake' Erik ten Hag made in transfer window

Manchester United sold several senior players during the summer transfer window.

Erik ten Hag Man Utd

Erik ten Hag sanctioned the sale of Scott McTominay this summer (Image: Getty)

Former Manchester United star Nemanja Matic believes that Erik ten Hag made a big mistake by allowing Scott McTominay to leave the club this summer. Red Devils academy product McTominay signed for Napoli on the same day Manuel Ugarte landed at Old Trafford to take his place.

United spent an initial £42million on Ugarte and sanctioned the sale of McTominay to help with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) compliance. As a homegrown player, McTominay's £25m transfer fee provides a huge boost to the club's accounts.

The Scotland star made over 250 first-team appearances and spent more than two decades on United's books. Matic, who played for the Red Devils between 2017 and 2022, feels he should not have been sold.

"My opinion is that Man Utd made a mistake by selling Scott McTominay," he wrote on X. "Today it is difficult to replace a player like him. (Napoli manager Antonio) Conte is a smart man."

McTominay will join up with fellow Scottish international Billy Gilmour in Naples after the Serie A side's ambitious double swoop on deadline day. United landed their top target in Ugarte, but Ten Hag admitted he did not know how to feel after waving goodbye to his long-serving midfielder.

"It's a little bit mixed," he said. "I'm very happy for (McTominay) and it's also for us, but it's mixed, because I wouldn't prefer to lose him, because he is Man United in every vein. He was so important for our team, for Manchester United. He was here for over 22 years.

I Want To Emulate Drogba, Lampard At Chelsea –Sancho

New Chelsea signing Jadon Sancho has expressed his desire to emulate the duo of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge.

Recall that the England international joined the Blues from Manchester United in deadline day summer transfer window.

Speaking with the club’s website, Sancho stated that Drogba and Lampard are his role models.

He said, “I’m really excited to be here. London is where I grew up and I’m happy to be back.

“The manager spoke to me about the project and, for a young player, it’s exciting. Hopefully I can bring goals and assists to the Bridge.

“My idols growing up were Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard and now I have the opportunity to play for this club like them. It’s a great feeling.”

On Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, Sancho added: “I knew him from his time with Pep Guardiola in Manchester City.

“He spoke to me on the phone about this project and what he was building here, and for a young player like myself it’s exciting and I can’t wait to get started.”

Why Manuel Ugarte will not make Manchester United debut against Liverpool

There will be no Manchester United debut for Manuel Ugarte today as Liverpool come to town.

Ugarte completed his £51million move from Paris Saint-Germain on Friday, two days before today’s huge Premier League clash. The midfielder even completed his medical on Thursday, around 72 hours before kick-off at Old Trafford.

But United had to register him as a player by 12pm midday on Friday, and failed to do so. So Ugarte is ineligible to face Liverpool or even be in the matchday squad. He is free to travel with his new players and, of course, watch along at Old Trafford.

United, though, are understood to believe that it was always a stretch for Ugarte to play minutes this afternoon, as he had a disrupted pre-season due to Uruguay’s Copa America run.

Manuel Ugarte has already trained with his new team-mates

Manchester United via Getty Imag

Erik ten Hag has made a defensive midfielder one of his key priorities this summer, alongside a new striker and defensive reinforcements.

Ugarte has joined Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui as the club made five major signings this summer.