Peter Schmeichel admits that Antony was “never good enough for Manchester United” but the Red Devils legend has questioned why Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund were allowed to leave Old Trafford. The Scotland international midfielder and Danish striker are now team-mates again in Italy at Napoli after surprisingly being deemed surplus to requirements.
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Academy graduate McTominay was allowed to head for Naples in the summer of 2024. His first season away from Manchester saw the 28-year-old midfielder become a Serie A title winner and MVP – with United toiling their way to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League.
AdvertisementHojlund's record: Goals scored before departure
A year on and Hojlund has joined McTominay at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with the 22-year-old forward loaned out by United in a deal that includes a purchase option. He registered 26 goals for the Red Devils through 95 appearances.
Getty Images SportWinger exodus: Busy summer at Old Trafford
In a busy window, wingers Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony also departed. United have continued to struggle for consistency under Ruben Amorim, with Schmeichel left puzzled by some of the recruitment calls being made.
Why? Schmeichel puzzled by Man Utd
The iconic former goalkeeper told : “I’d say Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund are the two players who should never have left.
“With Antony, it’s different. He was never good enough for Manchester United. Yes, he scored on his debut, but very quickly you could see he didn’t have what it takes for the Premier League. In Holland, playing in a dominant team, he looked good. But at United, the pace is relentless from the first minute to the last, the pressure is constant, and every opponent raises their game. To succeed here, you need something extra, and he didn’t have it. He’s moved on, and we wish him well.
“The one that really pains me is Højlund. I honestly believe he could have been a 25-goal-a-season striker for Manchester United. The problem wasn’t him – it was the way the team played. The system didn’t suit him. When players like [Alejandro] Garnacho or [Marcus] Rashford got the ball, they looked only to shoot. The ball into the number nine never came, even though Rasmus was making really good runs.
“The fans saw it. They loved him because he fought, he ran, he gave everything, and he had to play every game because there were no other strikers. Of course, when you don’t score as a striker, people point to it again and again. But what more could he do without service?
“I’ve seen what he can do when he’s on form and gets the right service. That’s why I’m glad it’s only a loan. I hope he scores 25 goals, and that people at Old Trafford are then thinking: “We have to bring him back”. With [Matheus] Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo now providing service, and Bruno [Fernandes] playing further up the pitch, I still believe he could be a fantastic striker for Manchester United. He’s already scored after just 30 minutes for Napoli, which shows his quality. He’s still our player, and that’s the positive.
“As for McTominay, I honestly can’t say anything other than: why? Why was he allowed to leave?"