Roy Keane believes Scott McTominay’s Manchester United career was undermined by his association with former teammate Fred, despite the midfielder now thriving in Italy.
McTominay, who came through United’s youth system, was a consistent presence in the first team from 2019 to 2024, racking up over 250 appearances. However, he was sold to Napoli last summer for £25 million—partly driven by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Since moving to Serie A, the 28-year-old has been outstanding under Antonio Conte, scoring 12 goals in 34 games and helping Napoli rise to the top of the table with two matches remaining. His impact has sparked debate over whether United were wrong to let him go.
Keane, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, doesn’t believe the transfer was necessarily a mistake. But he does acknowledge that McTominay was unfairly judged at Old Trafford because of the much-criticised ‘McFred’ midfield duo.
According to Keane, the pairing with Fred didn’t suit either player, especially in a United team struggling to control games from midfield. He pointed out that while McTominay had quality, the partnership gave fans and pundits the wrong impression of his potential.
Despite his recent success at Napoli, Keane is hesitant to join the chorus of regret over McTominay’s exit. He admitted the Scot could have remained a valuable squad member, but questioned whether he would have played regularly or helped lift United back to the top.
The real issue, Keane argued, is that United failed to replace players like McTominay with better talent, which continues to expose the club’s poor recruitment strategy.
While McTominay is flourishing in Italy, Fred has also found form since leaving Manchester, enjoying a productive spell with Turkish giants Fenerbahce after departing in 2023.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, McTominay’s former manager, has publicly criticised the sale, calling it “beyond him.” He highlighted McTominay’s professionalism and reliability, suggesting the club lost a key presence both on and off the pitch.
United legend Jaap Stam echoed similar sentiments, praising McTominay’s goal-scoring and overall influence at the club. He suggested that, like Marcus Rashford today, McTominay’s departure might have made sense personally but ultimately harmed the team’s structure.
As United continue to search for midfield solutions, McTominay’s rise at Napoli serves as a reminder of what they may have let go.