Former footballer Paolo Di Canio has stirred controversy by suggesting he’d “arrest all the directors” at Manchester United over what he considers a poor transfer decision.
The outspoken Italian is baffled by United’s handling of recent moves, particularly the sale of one key player.
United’s Summer Transfer Window
In a dramatic first transfer window under new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United spent £180 million bringing in players such as Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, and Noussair Mazraoui.
However, despite these big signings, the team has struggled. United currently sits 14th in the Premier League standings, managing just eight points from their first seven games, marking their worst start in recent history.
Key Players Depart, Including McTominay
The summer also saw several players leave Old Trafford.
Mason Greenwood, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were among those sold, generating around £86 million in revenue for the club.
One departure that has particularly puzzled Di Canio is Scott McTominay’s move to Napoli.
McTominay was sold for £26 million, with the proceeds helping to fund Ugarte’s transfer.
Given McTominay’s status as a homegrown talent, the entire transfer fee was seen as a financial win for United.
McTominay’s Instant Impact at Napoli
McTominay has quickly proven his worth at Napoli, scoring his first Serie A goal in just 27 seconds during a match against Cesc Fabregas’ Como before the international break.
Assisted by Romelu Lukaku, McTominay coolly slotted the ball past Como’s goalkeeper, helping secure a 3-1 victory for Napoli.
This goal came after he provided his first league assist in Napoli’s previous match, a 2-0 win against Monza.
Di Canio Praises Conte’s Napoli Revolution
McTominay’s success at Napoli is seen as a reflection of the managerial prowess of Antonio Conte.
The Premier League-winning manager, who took charge of Napoli after being dismissed by Tottenham in March 2023, has transformed the team.
Di Canio praised Conte’s ability to turn around struggling clubs, calling him a “magician” who “resuscitates” teams from the brink of collapse.
Under Conte, Napoli now sits at the top of Serie A, and Di Canio believes they have a real chance at securing another Scudetto.
The Future of United and Napoli
While Manchester United grapples with their poor start and questions surrounding their transfer strategy, Napoli’s rise under Conte continues.
Di Canio remains confident in Napoli’s title chances, especially if rivals like Inter and Juventus stumble.
He also emphasized that Conte’s focus on discipline and tactical rigor will be crucial in keeping Napoli on track for another league triumph.
Whether Manchester United will regret their decision to sell McTominay remains to be seen, but for now, his success in Italy has left many, including Di Canio, scratching their heads.