Souness blasts 'atrocious' £102m Man Utd blunder in allowing player to leave

Graeme Souness has called for Manchester United to bring Scott McTominay back to Old Trafford, slamming the club’s hierarchy for what he labels an “atrocious” £102million blunder in letting the midfielder go.

The Scotland and Liverpool legend didn’t hold back in his latest Daily Mail column, pointing to McTominay’s red-hot form at Napoli as proof United made a colossal mistake.

McTominay, 28, has been a revelation since his £25m move to the Serie A side last summer, scoring crucial goals—including a match-winning penalty for Scotland against Greece on Thursday night in the Nations League.

That strike secured a vital 1-0 victory, keeping Scotland’s hopes alive for a semi-final spot. His performances under Antonio Conte have transformed him into a fan favorite in Naples, a stark contrast to his inconsistent role at United under Ruben Amorim.

Souness wrote: “How Manchester United must regret selling Scott McTominay. He’s thriving at Napoli and proving his worth for Scotland—his penalty in Greece was pure class. Would someone at United please hold their hand up and say, ‘This was my shout’? Because it’s been an atrocious piece of judgment.”

He went on to skewer the club’s transfer dealings, noting they’ve spent £102m on midfielders since McTominay’s exit—likely a reference to signings like Manuel Ugarte and others—yet still lack the tenacity and impact the Scot brings.

The former United academy graduate, who made over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, was often deployed as a utility man rather than a focal point. Souness argues he could be the answer to United’s current midfield woes.

“Scott’s got energy, physicality, and a knack for big moments—everything United are crying out for right now. They should be looking to get him back. It’s not too late to fix this mess.”

McTominay’s departure in August 2024 was part of Amorim’s squad overhaul, but with United languishing mid-table in the Premier League as of March 2025, fans and pundits alike are questioning the decision.

His resurgence in Italy—where he’s notched four goals and two assists in 15 appearances—only amplifies the criticism. Souness added: “This is the perfect example of mismanagement on an industrial scale at United since Fergie left. They let a gem slip through their fingers.”

A return to Manchester would be a bold U-turn for the club, but McTominay’s three-year contract with Napoli, signed in 2024, means any move would command a hefty fee. Whether United’s bosses heed Souness’s advice remains to be seen, but for now, McTominay continues to shine abroad while Old Trafford rues what might have been.