Ole Gunnar Solskjaer baffled by Man Utd decision INEOS now regret - 'It's beyond me'
The Besiktas boss has hit out at his former club.
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has slammed the club’s decision to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli last summer. The Scottish international ended a 22-year stay at Old Trafford when he joined the Serie A club in a £25.7million deal, having made 255 senior appearances.
United’s loss has since become Napoli’s gain, with the midfielder playing a pivotal role in their title charge under Antonio Conte. He’s played 32 times in all competitions and scored 12 goals, his best-ever season return. With three league games to go, Napoli lie three points clear of Inter Milan following Saturday’s 1-0 win at Lecce.
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McTominay was a mainstay under Solskjaer during the Norwegian’s three-year tenure. He formed a midfield partnership with Fred, and the Brazilian has also since left Manchester after joining Fenerbahce in 2023.
Solskjaer, 52, is now in Turkey as well after taking charge of Besiktas. He’s now taken aim at INEOS for the decision to let both players go, focusing on the sale of the academy product in particular.
"Scott and Fred together, they were lads you would put your hat on every day to give 100%," he told the BBC. "How you can sell Scott McTominay is beyond me."
Since his departure, United have noticeably struggled to find a regular midfield partner for Bruno Fernandes. Casemiro has been criticised for his seemingly waning form and fitness, and both Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte have failed to convince since their big-money moves.
Since Solskjaer left, United have yet to match their best finish under the club icon, finishing second to Manchester City in the 2020/21 campaign. They also reached the Europa League final that season, losing to Villarreal on penalties, and their former boss claimed he found it hard to see the club currently floundering.
"Man United is my family and will always be part of me," he said. “It is hard to watch because it is your family that is struggling. It is never easy at the weekend when you look at the table."
