I have played with TWO greatest midfielders in football history but there’s ONE particular Man United’s midfielder who’s better than all combined…I’m planning to leave Man United because of only him, he’s too good and looking at how he play I know I don’t have future here anymore”: Casemeiro reveals why he’s planning to leave Man United, names ONE player as the reason

Mick Brown, a former staff member at Manchester United during the club’s peak years, has shared insights into the financial difficulties currently facing the team. Remaining connected to the operations at Old Trafford, Brown informed Football Insider that Manchester United would have violated profit and sustainability regulations had they not sold certain players. This financial pressure is unprecedented for the club, compelling them to offload players before making significant purchases.

Brown noted that the club, historically recognized for its financial strength, found itself in a challenging position during the 2024 transfer window. For the first time, they were forced to sell players to raise funds for new acquisitions, a stark departure from previous years when they could easily invest without needing to make sales first. A key player in this scenario was Scott McTominay, whose transfer to Napoli created opportunities for United to target other players.

McTominay, who progressed through the club’s renowned youth academy and played over 250 matches for the first team, was sold to Napoli for £25.7 million on the last day of the summer transfer window. This sale was vital for financing the acquisition of Manuel Ugarte, a highly coveted midfielder. Brown revealed that without McTominay’s transfer, securing Ugarte would have been financially unfeasible due to the club’s constraints.

Interestingly, Brown also mentioned that McTominay had been considered expendable by Erik ten Hag for some time. Back in 2023, the Dutch manager attempted to sell McTominay along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire to Premier League clubs, including West Ham. Despite Ten Hag’s intentions, McTominay remained at Old Trafford until his eventual move to Napoli.

After McTominay’s transfer to Serie A, United fans were surprised by his performances. Recent highlight reels of his play in Italy have impressed many, leading some to question the club’s decision to let go of the 27-year-old, especially given their current midfield issues.

Brown, who is well-acquainted with United’s internal decisions, expressed his bewilderment over the sale. He wondered why the club would part with a player of McTominay’s caliber, particularly when they lack depth and quality in midfield. “They wanted him gone for a long time,” he said, noting that during his time at West Ham in 2023, United had offered McTominay along with Wan-Bissaka and Maguire as part of their fundraising efforts.

Ultimately, United’s need to comply with financial regulations dictated their actions. “They didn’t have the finances to spend big on new players, especially with the profit and sustainability rules hanging over them,” Brown explained. Selling McTominay was crucial in freeing up funds for the Ugarte deal, which would have otherwise violated the regulations. This scenario is unprecedented for a club accustomed to significant spending now needing to manage its finances more carefully.

Brown expressed frustration with Ten Hag’s decision to part ways with McTominay. “I don’t understand it,” he stated. “He always gives his all, regardless of the situation or opponent, and he usually performs well. I don’t know why United couldn’t recognize that, as he’s better than many midfielders currently on the team.”

For Manchester United, McTominay’s departure signifies a notable change in their transfer approach and financial strategy. Once known for extravagant spending, the club now finds itself in a more cautious position. While they successfully acquired Ugarte, a player with great potential, questions remain about whether selling a proven homegrown talent like McTominay was wise.

As McTominay continues to excel in Serie A, Manchester United fans and analysts will closely monitor his progress, pondering whether the club made a mistake in letting him go, particularly given their ongoing midfield challenges. His exit, combined with United’s financial constraints, illustrates a club at a pivotal juncture, striving to align its on-field ambitions with the realities of modern football finances.