Man United legend Rio Ferdinand’s brutal reaction on club selling ace midfielder as £50m replacement set to join the club

Rio Ferdinand has condemned Manchester United’s decision to transfer Scott McTominay to Napoli.

talkSPORT has learnt that the midfielder is expected to depart the Red Devils following the completion of a £25 million agreement between the two clubs. Manuel Ugarte, who is currently at Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to relocate to Old Trafford for an estimated £50 million.

The Uruguayan has been a top priority for manager Erik ten Hag throughout the summer. However, United legend Ferdinand is of the opinion that this transaction may be one that his former team will come to regret.

McTominay, a graduate of the academy, progressed through the levels at Old Trafford after joining their youth setup at the age of five. He has since made more than 250 appearances for his hometown club.

The 27-year-old has been a critical member of ten Hag’s squad and has a talent for scoring critical goals, despite his difficulty in securing a consistent starting position since his first-team debut under Jose Mourinho in 2017.

Ferdinand is of the opinion that McTominay’s attributes render him the precise type of player that United require in order to make a renewed effort to contend for titles.

The decision was criticised by the former defender, who won the Premier League trophy six times in 12 years with the Red Devils, on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents.

He stated, “I observe Scott McTominay and believe that not every player has the potential to be a franchise player or a star standout.”

“I consistently assert that in order to secure the league title, it is necessary to have individuals such as John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Darren Fletcher, Chicharito [Javier Hernandez], and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from our time at United.”

“Or you need the likes of [Julian] Alvarez when he was at City who can come in, like last season Jeremy Doku was coming in and impacting games even though not necessarily always starting all the games.”

Ferdinand emphasised the Scotland international’s dependability and consistent performances when summoned, and he characterised the decision to replace him with a high-profile signing as a risk.

He continued, “Those players are significant; you require them, and they comprehend the DNA, particularly those who emerge from the academy. Man United has consistently maintained this position.”

“It is truly unsettling to me.” It will be prohibitively expensive to replace him, as it will require an investment of approximately £30, £40, or £50 million, as well as a salary of £150,000 per week.

“It is a risk; you are uncertain about the outcome with the subsequent player.” In contrast, with him, you are assured of the quality of the product; it is clearly stated on the package, and he is present when he is performing.

“He may not always be an eight or nine out of 10, but he is always a good, solid seven.” And occasionally, he will become an eight and score a goal for you.

McTominay scored seven goals in the Premier League last season, including tallies in separate 2-1 victories over Brentford and Chelsea in the first half of the campaign, despite only starting 18 games.

He was also involved in the entire FA Cup winning run for United, scoring twice in the final against Manchester City.

In the interim, Ugarte, who is expected to replace him, is on the brink of a transfer to Old Trafford following a season with PSG. During this time, he made 37 appearances and secured the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions.

The 23-year-old is scheduled to travel to England for his medical today, and United will pay £42m upfront. The agreement is expected to increase by an additional £8.5m with add-ons.