Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed the need for changes to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, which have been pivotal in the club’s decision to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli. The sale of McTominay, a product of the United academy, is set to provide the Red Devils with crucial financial flexibility to further strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline.
Ten Hag, speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of United’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday, highlighted the significance of homegrown players under the current financial regulations. “I would prefer not to lose him because he’s Manchester United in everything,” Ten Hag stated. “He was so important for our team, for Manchester United, but unfortunately it’s the rules.”
The Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, which limit clubs to losses of £105 million ($138 million) over a three-year assessment period, have been widely criticized for stifling spending during the transfer window. These regulations make the sale of players who came through the youth system particularly advantageous, as the full transfer fee is recorded as profit. For clubs like Manchester United, this creates an opportunity to offset losses and remain compliant with financial rules, while still being able to invest in new talent.
“We have to discuss the rules, when you have to sell and obviously homegrown and academy players bring more value, that’s not the right thing to do,” Ten Hag continued. “But I think for everyone, for all parts it’s a good deal, for Scott he’s happy with it, for Napoli a very good player, but also for us.”
The move to sell McTominay, who has been a key figure in United’s midfield since breaking into the first team, underscores Ten Hag’s pragmatic approach to squad management under financial constraints. While Ten Hag lamented McTominay’s departure, he acknowledged the broader benefits of the sale. With McTominay set to join Napoli, the funds generated from his transfer will potentially facilitate the signing of Uruguayan international Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain. This deal is expected to provide a tactical boost to United’s midfield as they seek to bolster their squad depth and quality.
United’s business in the current transfer window has been marked by strategic additions, including the signings of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee for a combined total of approximately £150 million. However, Ten Hag is keenly aware of the need to maintain financial balance, particularly in light of the Premier League’s stringent financial regulations.
“We have a couple of conversations going on at the moment. That’s all I can say. We’ll see what happens,” said United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth after attending the Europa League draw in Monaco. “There’s still a few hours to go, who knows what will happen in the last few hours. But we’ve been really pleased with the business we have done, in and out.”
There could be further activity at Old Trafford before the 2200GMT deadline, with Jadon Sancho linked to Chelsea in a potential swap deal involving Raheem Sterling. Such a move would see United bring in an experienced winger who could provide additional attacking options for Ten Hag’s side.
As the clock ticks down to the transfer deadline, Manchester United’s transfer strategy is likely to be influenced by the ongoing financial constraints imposed by the Premier League’s rules. Ten Hag’s call for a reassessment of these regulations reflects the broader challenges faced by clubs striving to build competitive squads while adhering to financial fair play requirements. The sale of McTominay is a prime example of how clubs must navigate these complex dynamics, balancing the need to retain key players with the imperative to comply with financial rules.
