Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel believes the club made a mistake in allowing both Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund to leave, suggesting the pair are now thriving in Italy after being undervalued at Old Trafford.
Hojlund, now on loan at Napoli with an option for a permanent move, has found the net four times in his first six Serie A outings. That figure already matches his total league goals for United in the previous season. McTominay made the switch a year earlier and went on to deliver a title-winning campaign, earning recognition as Serie A’s best player and receiving a Ballon d’Or nomination.
Schmeichel questioned the rationale behind the decisions made by the club’s leadership structure, pointing to the involvement of multiple figures such as head coach Ruben Amorim, football director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox, and head of recruitment Christopher Vivell.
Hojlund’s potential highlighted at Napoli
The Danish striker has flourished in his new surroundings, linking up effectively with Kevin De Bruyne and McTominay. Schmeichel argued that this level of support shows what Hojlund had been missing during his time at United.
He expressed surprise at the club’s choice to bring in Benjamin Sesko despite already having Hojlund, who he believes is capable of scoring 25 goals a season if properly supplied. Schmeichel stressed that United judged Hojlund too harshly based on his previous goal tally while simultaneously signing players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who could have enhanced his output.
Concerns over recruitment priorities
Schmeichel criticized the club’s decision to spend heavily on Sesko rather than addressing other areas. He pointed to the lack of a top defensive midfielder and ongoing issues in goal, noting that nine goals this season have come from goalkeeping mistakes.
He contrasted the current structure with the era of Sir Alex Ferguson, when the manager had the final say on transfers. In his view, the modern approach, with several individuals pursuing different objectives, has disrupted stability.
McTominay’s impact in Italy
McTominay has quickly adapted to life in Serie A. In his first season with Napoli, he recorded 13 goals and six assists. This term he has added another goal and assist, reinforcing his importance to the side.
Schmeichel described the midfielder as emblematic of Manchester United’s spirit, arguing that his versatility worked against him when managers sought more specialized players. He drew parallels with Phil Neville, who regularly featured but rarely held a guaranteed starting position.
Emotional ties to United
The former goalkeeper highlighted Hojlund’s deep connection to the club, recalling the striker’s childhood passion for United. He praised the forward’s commitment on the pitch and his rapport with supporters, expressing disbelief that both Hojlund and McTominay are now wearing Napoli colors.
Schmeichel’s comments underline his view that misjudged recruitment choices and organizational changes have led United to part ways with players who embody the club’s identity.
