Manchester United's Scott McTominay celebrates scoring their fourth goal
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is likely to leave the club at the end of the season, according to an update from journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Lowdown: McTominay out of favour
The Scot has had to settle for far more of a bit-part role at Old Trafford since Erik ten Hag took charge, making just seven starts in the Premier League this season.
The likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have come in and become undisputed key men and it has changed McTominay’s role to that of a squad player, with the signing of Marcel Sabitzer after Eriksen’s injury perhaps the clearest indicator Ten Hag does not see the Scot as a reliable starter.
His current United deal doesn’t expire until 2025, but it sounds like he could move away this summer.
The Latest: Summer exit mooted
That’s certainly the opinion of Jacobs, who told Give Me Sport that McTominay is expected to depart in 2023:
“What we do know about Manchester United is that Scott McTominay will, in all likelihood, leave in the summer, and Newcastle were interested.
“So, they may look to make some kind of central midfield reinforcement.”
The Verdict: Makes complete sense
In truth, McTominay should only stay put at United if he is content with a squad role moving forward, although at 26, that is unlikely to be the case.
Instead, it makes complete sense for the 36-cap Scotland international to enjoy a fresh challenge when the summer arrives, joining a lower-ranked Premier League side where he would be far more of a key figure.
The £60,000-a-week McTominay is an impressive footballer, being hailed as ‘incredible’ by Diego Simeone last year, but United are at a point where they need superior ability on the ball in the centre of the park now if they want to hit that next level.
They could receive a hefty amount of his services, given his age, homegrown status and contract situation, with somewhere like West Ham or Newcastle perhaps an ideal destination.
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