A deal considered a disaster for Manchester United

Legend Marco Materazzi criticized Manchester United for selling off a star player who later shone brightly at Napoli.

Italian football legend Marco Materazzi has strongly criticized the decision to let Scott McTominay leave Manchester United, calling it one of the club's biggest mistakes in recent years.

In an interview, Materazzi expressed surprise at the fee "The Red Devils" received when selling the Scottish midfielder to Napoli. "McTominay is an excellent player. I don't understand why Manchester United let him go for almost a bargain price," he shared.

The former defender, who won the 2006 World Cup, even asserted that McTominay's true value is much higher, possibly around 60–70 million Euros or more. According to him, this midfielder's talent was evident very early. "I've followed him since he was very young. Even at 18 or 19, I believed McTominay would become one of the world's top midfielders, and now that has become reality," Materazzi added.

The reality on the pitch is partly proving that assessment. Since joining Napoli, McTominay quickly became an irreplaceable pillar. He played a crucial role in helping the Southern Italian club win the Scudetto, while also making a strong impression with his all-around attacking and defensive abilities.

Not stopping there, the Scottish midfielder was also honored as Serie A's Best Player last season and even made the Ballon d'Or nomination list—an achievement few imagined when he was still wearing Manchester United's shirt.

Materazzi concluded bluntly: "Selling McTominay for only 30 million Euros in 2024 is one of Manchester United's leadership's biggest mistakes." Now, as McTominay shines brilliantly in Italy, many "Red Devils" fans likely only feel regret for a decision that caused them to lose a genuine star.