Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand slams Manchester United for one transfer decision

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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has voiced strong disapproval of his former club’s decision to accept an offer for midfielder Scott McTominay.

Scott McTominay, who has been with Manchester United since he was five years old, is on the brink of ending his lifelong association with the club.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who made his first-team debut under Jose Mourinho in 2017, has become a regular in the squad over the years, racking up over 250 appearances.

Despite his deep roots at United and his status as a homegrown player, the club has agreed to let him go for £25million, pending the finalization of personal terms with Napoli.

Rio Ferdinand, who enjoyed a decorated career at United, expressed his frustration with the decision on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents. He believes McTominay embodies the kind of reliable, hardworking player essential for any title-contending team—a role he feels United should be wary of losing.

“I look at Scott McTominay, and not every player can be a star standout player or a franchise player,” Ferdinand explained.

He compared McTominay to past United players like John O'Shea, Wes Brown, and Darren Fletcher, who, while not always in the spotlight, played crucial roles in United’s success during their time.

"It really doesn't sit well with me. To replace him you are going to have to spend, 30, 40, £50m and give him £150,000-a-week probably, it's not going to be cheap to replace him.

"It's a gamble, you don't what you're going to get with that next player. Whereas with him you know what you're getting, it's on the tin, he's there, he turns up when he's playing.

"He might not always be an eight or nine out of 10 but invariably he is a good, solid seven. And every now and then he will be an eight and get you a goal," Rio Ferdinand added.

Manchester United, however, appears committed to moving forward without McTominay. The club is reportedly close to securing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte as his replacement. The deal is expected to cost around £50 million plus add-ons.