Erik ten Hag addressed the media today ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
Indeed, the manager was pressed on a number of transfer deals before the window slams shut this evening.
Scott McTominay is poised to join Napoli in a £30 million package deal, which will see him part ways with his boyhood club after 22 years. He joined United at just five years old, progressing straight from the youth ranks into the senior setup without – like most players do – completing a loan spell elsewhere.
He leaves having made 255 appearances, notching 29 goals and eight assists. The 27-year-old was also a part of Ten Hag’s Carabao Cup and FA Cup-winning squads in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 respectively.
Regarding his imminent exit, the Dutchman said: “It’s a little bit mixed. I’m very happy for him, 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. Unfortunately, it’s the rules. We have to discuss the rules when you have to do sales, and then, obviously, homegrown players, Academy players, they bring more value. That’s not the right thing to do, but yeah, I think for everyone, for all parts, it’s a good deal. For Scott, he’s happy with it. Of course, for Napoli, a very good player. But also for us.“
Elsewhere, Jadon Sancho is being heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford, whether that be through a loan or permanent transfer. Chelsea are thought to be the most likely suitor after Juventus withdrew their interest last night, as they were unable to match United’s demands.
“He is a player in our squad, and we are happy with him. We need a good squad, we need depth in the squad. We have to play many games until January, [with] the new format of Europe. After the break, we will play every third day, so we need, absolutely, options,” Ten Hag said when asked about the possibility of Sancho being sold.
Lastly, he was quizzed on the impending arrival of United’s fifth signing of the summer, Manuel Ugarte, but expectedly kept tight-lipped when replying: “Yes, we expect it (by the 11pm deadline), but I can’t confirm it by now.”
The Uruguayan has not been registered in time to face Liverpool, though you still have time to snap up tickets to the derby with 1st4footballtickets.com.
Still, Ugarte has undergone his medical successfully and put pen to paper on his contract at Old Trafford, so his maiden outing will come after the forthcoming international break – presumably against newly-promoted Southampton on September 14.
