Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is ready to leave the Red Devils in a bid to attain regular gametime. The 26-year-old has grown frustrated over his regular benching at United, and is looking for opportunities elsewhere, according to The Daily Telegraph. The gradual depletion in McTominay’s gametime at the club is quite understandable, given their summer acquisition of Casemiro.
The two ply their trade in the same position, but it is well known that Casemiro has been an upgrade on the Scotland international. And the Brazilian is coming full-circle at Old Trafford after completing a hefty £70m move in the summer, showing the class of his five Champions League winners’ medals. As a result, McTominay has had to assume a bench role at his prime years, which he himself wants to change with a move away from the club.
Newcastle want the Manchester United midfielder
With McTominay looking for a move out of Manchester United, there is reportedly no shortage of interest in him. McTominay has earned himself a reputation of a sturdy midfielder, a typical old-school mould. Moreover, his attitude has often been likened to that of club legend Roy Keane, a no-nonsense midfielder who took the game to the opponent during his trophy-laden playing time at United.
An academy graduate of Manchester United, McTominay made a breakthrough with the first-team in 2017, making his debut against Arsenal that year. He then didn’t look back for the next few years, forming a solid partnership with Fred in the heart of the United midfield, and has so far racked up an impressive 192 appearances for the club. Although he hasn’t won a piece of silverware with the club, McTominay did become at fan favourite during his early years at the club.
However, since the start of the 2021 season, the 26-year-old was heavily criticised for a serious drop in his form. Many even called for his replacement, and in came Casemiro last summer, for a staggering £70m. Initially tumbling a bit, the former Real Madrid midfielder has now cemented his place in the starting eleven under Erik ten Hag and in the true sense, solved their midfield problems.
The Red Devils has resurrected so stunningly under the influence of Casemiro that they now sit fourth in the Premier League, just a point behind second-placed Manchester City and at par with third-placed Newcastle United with a game in hand. However, since Casemiro’s brilliant displays, McTominay has been forgotten as he now only makes cameos off-the-bench to see-off the games.
The Daily Telegraph adds that Newcastle United have approached the United academy boy for a transfer, with the midfielder keen on it as well. McTominay, at 26 wants regular game time, which he won’t be able to attain for at least another 3-4 years until Brazilian duo Casemiro and Fred occupy his place. Moreover, his form too has been a bit concerning with Ten Hag hesitating to play him more often.
McTominay has made 22 appearances this season, out of which only 10 have been starts. Ten Hag has even restrained himself from starting the midfielder regularly in cup competitions like the FA Cup, Carabao Cup or the Europa League. As a result, the Scot is ready to explore the Newcastle opportunity, wherein gametime could be a guarantee. The Magpies are on a dream-run this season under Eddie Howe, as they sit third in the league and are into the semifinals of the Carabao Cup.
No doubt the project at St. James’ Park is as exciting as Manchester United’s revival under Ten Hag, and is apparently enough as well to convince McTominay to jump the ship. Although no formal contact has been made by the Tyneside for the midfielder, a serious bid could be launched if they sense a green light from United to enter negotiations. Ten Hag reportedly wants more reinforcements in midfield, and hence could let go the 36-cap Scotland international to raise funds and clear space.