In a recent tweet, former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic expressed his disappointment over the club’s decision to sell Scott McTominay. Matic, who played alongside McTominay during his time at Old Trafford, believes that United made a significant mistake by letting the Scottish international go, highlighting McTominay’s importance and the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement.

My opinion is that #manutd made a mistake by selling Scott McTominay , today it is difficult to replace a player like him.Conte is smart man 👍

— Nemanja Matic (@NemanjaMatic) August 31, 2024

McTominay’s Role at Manchester United

Scott McTominay has been a key figure at Manchester United since breaking into the first team under José Mourinho in 2017. Known for his tenacity, work rate, and versatility, McTominay quickly established himself as a reliable option in midfield. Over the years, he has become a fan favorite, admired for his commitment and passion on the pitch. In addition to his defensive contributions, McTominay also had a knack for scoring important goals. His powerful runs from midfield and ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments made him a valuable asset in the team’s attacking play.

Nemanja Matic himself was a vital part of Manchester United’s midfield after joining the club from Chelsea in 2017. His experience, composure on the ball, and defensive intelligence made him a key player under José Mourinho, who had previously managed him at Chelsea. Matic quickly became a leader on and off the pitch, often playing a crucial role in balancing United’s midfield. His ability to break up play and distribute the ball efficiently allowed United to maintain control in many high-pressure games. Matic’s partnership with McTominay in midfield was particularly effective, combining experience with youthful energy, which added stability to the team during challenging periods.

The decision to sell McTominay has raised eyebrows, particularly given Manchester United’s current struggles in midfield. The club has faced criticism for lacking a solid and consistent defensive midfielder, a role McTominay filled effectively during his time at the club. Matic’s praise for Antonio Conte in his tweet is particularly telling. Conte, known for his tactical acumen and ability to build strong, cohesive teams, is indeed a “smart man” for recognizing McTominay’s qualities. The Italian manager’s decision to bring McTominay to his squad could prove to be a masterstroke, especially given the player’s experience and adaptability.

For Manchester United, McTominay’s departure could leave a significant void. Finding a player with his unique combination of skills and attributes is no easy task, and the club may struggle to replace him in the short term. The decision to sell him could come back to haunt United, especially if the midfield issues persist.

Nemanja Matic’s criticism of Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay is a reflection of the high regard in which the Scottish midfielder is held by his former teammates. McTominay’s departure could prove to be a costly mistake for United, particularly given the current challenges they face in midfield. As Matic suggested, replacing a player of McTominay’s caliber will be no easy feat, and only time will tell if United made the right call. Meanwhile, Antonio Conte’s faith in McTominay could turn out to be a smart move, solidifying the midfielder’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s underrated gems.