Man Utd given deadline day boost as details of McTominay exit come to light

Manchester United have secured an increased fee for Scott McTominay in an unexpected transfer deadline day boost.

The midfielder is set to complete a move to Napoli on Friday, having arrived in Naples on Thursday. The Scottish international made 255 appearances for United since breaking though from the club's academy, scoring 39 goals.

But his chances for game-time were set to decrease this season amid the imminent arrival of Manuel Ugarte from PSG. As a result, McTominay has been linked with an exit from Old Trafford all summer.

While Fulham saw a bid rejected, Napoli have ultimately been able to close a deal for the midfielder. At first, it was thought United would be receiving a fee of £25.4million from the Serie A side.

But now, the Manchester Evening News report that the actual fee will rise to £30m. That final fee comes from the range of add-ons that have been attached to the deal taking McTominay to Italy.

That final fee makes McTominay the joint-fifth highest sale in United's history. He will slot into the record books alongside Daniel James, who moved to Leeds in a deal rising to £30m back in 2021.

McTominay's impending move means that United have agreed sales totalling £110.49m so far this summer, including add-ons. The Red Devils are also hoping to sell Jadon Sancho on deadline day.

The decision to sell McTominay has not gone down well in every quarter, despite Ugarte's likely signature. United legend Rio Ferdinand has questioned his former club, insisting the Scot could have played a key role.

"I look at Scott McTominay and not every player can be a star, a standout player. But to win the league you need the likes of John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Darren Fletcher… you need a Julian Alvarez at Man City," Ferdinand told Vibe with Five.

"They might not start every game but they were huge, you need those players and most of them know the DNA of the club, especially ones who have come through the academy, there’s a lot to be said for that.

"It really doesn’t sit well with me. To replace him you’re going to have to spend £30m or £40m and give him £150,000 a week probably. It’s not going to be cheap and it’s a gamble, you don’t know what you’re going to get.

"Whereas with McTominay you know what you’re getting. He might not always be a 9/10 but invariably he’s a solid 7/10 and sometimes he will be an 8/10 and get you a goal."

McTominay still has a year to run on his contract at United, but selling him would represent 'pure profit' when it comes to the Premier League's financial rules. Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has held extensive talks with United over a move for the midfielder.