Erik ten Hag could not hide his disappointment at the possible loss of Scott McTominay.
The 27-year-old will leave Manchester United on deadline day and is expected to join Napoli for £25 million before the 11pm deadline.
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The midfielder’s departure is good news for the club in terms of profit and sustainability rules, as the academy graduate will be reported as pure profit on its balance sheet.
But while the departure is good business for the club, ten Hag is not so enthusiastic from a footballing point of view.
In his press conference ahead of the Red Devils’ clash with rivals Liverpool on Sunday, he said: “It’s a bit mixed.
“I’m very happy for him, but it’s a mixed feeling because I don’t want to lose him.
“He embodies Manchester United in every way, he was so important to Manchester United.
“He was here for over 22 years, but unfortunately those are the rules.
“Local players bring more value and that’s not the right thing, but for everyone, for all parts, it’s a good deal.
“Scott is happy with it, Napoli and us.”
Since graduating from the academy, McTominay has made 255 appearances for United.
During this time he scored 29 goals, ten of which came last season.
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McTominay may not be the only player to leave United on deadline day.
Jadon Sancho could join Chelsea on loan – three years after joining from Borussia Dortmund, for whom he spent the second half of last season.
Switching to another loan may involve an obligation to make the contract permanent next summer.
But while Sancho and McTominay could both leave, the Red Devils are close to signing Manuel Ugarte.
The midfielder will move to Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £50 million.
However, he was not registered in time for the game against the Reds.