“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”: Casemiro reveals why he’s planning to leave Man United, names ONE player as the reason. He’s leaving just because of him 😲

Mick Brown, a former Manchester United staff member who was involved during the club’s most prosperous years, recently shed light on the financial challenges currently confronting the team. Brown, who still has close ties to the inner workings at Old Trafford, revealed in an interview with Football Insider that Manchester United would have violated profit and sustainability rules had they not sold certain players. This marked a new financial struggle for the club, which had to offload talent before making any major signings.

According to Brown, Manchester United, known for its financial strength and spending power, found itself in an unusual situation during the 2024 transfer window. Unlike previous years, they were forced to sell players to raise funds for new acquisitions. One notable sale was that of Scott McTominay, whose transfer to Napoli helped create the financial space needed for United to pursue other players.

McTominay, a product of Manchester United’s youth academy and a player with over 250 first-team appearances, was sold to Napoli for £25.7 million on the last day of the summer transfer window. This move was essential for United to fund a deal for Manuel Ugarte, a highly-rated midfielder. Brown emphasized that without McTominay’s sale, the acquisition of Ugarte would have been financially unfeasible due to the club’s need to comply with profit and sustainability regulations.

Interestingly, Brown also shared that Erik ten Hag had been looking to move McTominay on for some time. Back in 2023, Ten Hag had tried to sell McTominay, along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire, to Premier League clubs such as West Ham. However, despite the manager’s intentions, McTominay stayed at Old Trafford until his eventual move to Napoli.

Since joining Serie A, McTominay’s performances have impressed fans, with many surprised by his strong displays in Italy. This has led some to question Manchester United’s decision to let go of the midfielder, especially considering the club’s current struggles in that position.

Brown, still well-informed on United’s internal discussions, voiced his confusion over the sale. He questioned why the club was so keen to offload McTominay, especially with their current lack of quality in midfield. “They wanted him gone for a long time,” Brown told Football Insider. He also noted that back in 2023, Manchester United had even offered McTominay, Wan-Bissaka, and Maguire to raise funds.

Ultimately, financial constraints forced Manchester United’s hand. “They didn’t have the money to splash on new players, especially with profit and sustainability rules looming over them,” Brown explained. Selling McTominay was essential for freeing up funds for the Ugarte deal, something that otherwise would have violated financial regulations. For the first time, the club had to manage its finances in a way it had not done before.

Brown expressed his frustration with the situation, particularly with Ten Hag’s decision to sell McTominay. “I don’t get it,” he said. “He always gives 100%, no matter the opposition, and usually performs well. I don’t know why United couldn’t see that because some of the midfielders they’ve kept aren’t as good.”

McTominay’s departure represents a significant change in Manchester United’s transfer approach and financial strategy. Once known for big spending, the club is now operating with more caution. While they succeeded in bringing in Ugarte, a highly talented player, questions remain about whether letting go of a proven, homegrown talent like McTominay was the right call.

As McTominay continues to thrive in Serie A, many Manchester United fans and experts will be keeping a close eye on his progress, wondering if the club made a mistake in selling him, particularly given their current midfield struggles. For now, his exit highlights a shift in the club’s approach, as they juggle on-field ambitions with the financial realities of

modern football.