Schmeichel blasts Man Utd over McTominay and Hojlund saying 'they should never have gone'

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has blasted the club’s decision to allow Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund to leave Old Trafford.

The former goalkeeper expressed bewilderment at the club’s transfer strategy, singling out the exits of McTominay and Hojlund as particularly baffling.

“I’d say Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund are the two players who should never have left,” Schmeichel told Sky Bet, pointing to their potential and contributions as reasons they should have remained at the club.

Schmeichel’s comments come at a time when Manchester United, under manager Ruben Amorim, are grappling with a poor start to the campaign.

The Dane, a key figure in United’s 1990s golden era, didn’t hold back in his assessment of the club’s recruitment, also questioning the signing of Antony, whom he labeled “never good enough for Manchester United.”

His remarks highlight ongoing concerns about the club’s direction, with fans and pundits alike debating the wisdom of letting go of two young, talented players.

Last year Schmeichel also said: "Scott McTominay was up for sale all summer and I don’t understand that. He’s a fantastic player; you need utility players.

"You need players that can play different positions, that can come from the bench and change the course of the game and he’s definitely one of them."

Since leaving United, McTominay has flourished at Napoli in Serie A. The Scottish midfielder, who moved for a reported £25 million, played a pivotal role in Napoli’s 2024-25 Serie A title triumph, scoring an impressive 12 goals and earning the club’s Player of the Year award.

His seamless adaptation to Italian football, and now reuniting with former United teammate Hojlund, has only amplified questions about United’s decision to sell.

Hojlund, the Danish striker, has also started well in Italy, further underscoring Schmeichel’s point that both players had the quality to succeed at Old Trafford.

Schmeichel’s critique reflects broader frustrations with Manchester United’s recruitment strategy, which has seen significant investment in players like Antony, who struggled to justify his £86 million price tag.

And even Antony shone at Real Betis during a loan move and he has now completed a transfer to the LaLiga club.

The loss of homegrown talent like McTominay, a product of United’s academy, and Hojlund, a promising forward, has fueled debates about the club’s long-term vision.

As United continue to navigate a challenging season, Schmeichel’s words serve as a stark reminder of missed opportunities and the enduring importance of retaining players with the right mentality and potential to wear the famous red shirt.