Roland Cutinho
Manchester United could U-turn on the sale of midfielder Scott McTominay this summer
Due to a recent injury to young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, Erik ten Hag may have to reconsider the possibility of selling Scott McTominay this summer.
McTominay has been strongly linked with a potential move to West Ham United as David Moyes seeks to find a replacement for Declan Rice.
The Hammers are the only Premier League club yet to make a signing this summer, and it appears their pursuit of the Scottish star might face uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Man United are already exploring options for a replacement, and they have progressed in negotiations with Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who has agreed to personal terms with the Red Devils.
In addition to Amrabat, 18-year-old midfielder Mainoo is expected to receive chances in the first team under Ten Hag’s management this season.
Initially, there were considerations of loaning Mainoo out. Still, his impressive performance in a recent friendly against Arsenal changed the manager’s mind, and he decided to keep the youngster at the club.
The Academy graduate’s development could have helped fill the gap that might be left by McTominay’s potential departure. However, an injury sustained during pre-season has put Ten Hag’s plans at risk.
According to the Athletic [subscription required] (h/t the Express), the recent injury to Mainoo has created complications for United’s transfer plans, particularly concerning McTominay’s potential move to West Ham.
As a result, the manager may reconsider his transfer strategy and decide to retain the 26-year-old at the club.
During the previous season, the No. 39 was sparingly used by Ten Hag, making only 10 starts in the Premier League. However, he appeared in 39 matches across all competitions, with a significant portion of his playing time coming off the bench.
Considering the situation, a departure from Old Trafford could potentially benefit the experienced midfielder’s development.
However, the recent injury to Mainoo has caused uncertainty in the transfer plans, and as a result, the proposed move to West Ham might not go ahead. The deal now seems to be in doubt.
United are facing significant changes in their midfield this summer. Fred will likely depart, with Galatasaray being the frontrunner in the race to sign him. Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek is strongly linked with a move to Real Sociedad.
Fiorentina’s Amrabat could also be a potential arrival before the transfer window closes. However, the club needs extra midfielders if they have plans to sell their current players.
Keeping McTominay might be an option, but if the Hammers approach with an attractive offer, then it’s difficult to say no to such a deal.
Moyes’ side is also watching Harry Maguire’s situation and might be tempted by a double swoop this summer.
The Red Devils need funds to further strengthen their position in the transfer market, and such an extra inflow of cash will help them in their plans.
McTominay might need to accept his position on the bench if Amrabat walks through the door of Old Trafford. The midfielder has been playing well for Scotland and will be craving more game time at club level.
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West Ham could be able to offer him a position in their starting XI, and this adds extra spice to the deal.
It will be up to Ten Hag to decide whether to sell McTominay for a decent price in case other midfielders stay or let him remain at Old Trafford for another season.
