Scott McTominay linked with Manchester United exit and there’s an easy decision to make this month

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Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has been linked with a move to Newcastle United, again.

Newcastle interest in McTominay was reported by The Times last June and dismissed by United. Now the rumours are resurfacing.

The Telegraph report: “McTominay is understood to be open to moving to St James’ Park.”

However, Newcastle will only bid if they receive encouragement from Manchester United – and this could be unlikely right now.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

Scott McTominay’s declining game time

Scott McTominay is a Manchester United academy graduate with 192 first team appearances. So why would he be ‘open’ to a move away?

This stance is connected to the midfielder’s declining game time. For years under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he was first choice, along with Fred. This is no more.

At the start of the season McTominay had a strong run of form, which included big performances in wins over Liverpool and Arsenal. But now he has fallen down the pecking order to fourth choice.

Casemiro’s rise has nudged McTominay to the sidelines, and both Christian Eriksen and Fred are ahead of him.

McTominay has not started a Premier League game since the Manchester derby at the start of October, and nor did he begin any Europa League games subsequent.

His only three starts have come in Carabao Cup games. Illness also cost him some minutes over the festive period.

But with fixtures piling up, McTominay could have a role to play, and he could even feature against Crystal Palace tomorrow night.

Van de Beek injury should rule out move

Manchester United have quite an easy decision to make right now. Scott McTominay should stay until the summer.

United cannot start Casemiro in every single game. The Brazilian will need a rest at some stage, and during the first phase of the season, Erik ten Hag showed he can improve McTominay, with the Scot forming a decent partnership with Christian Eriksen.

The real kicker, the extra reason to stay, is the injury to Donny van de Beek, who has been ruled out for the season; yet another blow since his £35 million move from Ajax in 2020.

Van de Beek was a midfield back-up, a player United could call on in case of injury. Take out McTominay too, and United are seriously light.

This would leave just Casemiro, Eriksen, Fred and Fernandes to fill the three midfield positions, with United competing across four competitions until the end of the season.

Even if United fetched a decent fee for McTominay, it’s unclear if there are any quality options lined up to sign, at this stage of the transfer window.

Young talents Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal are not ready to step in and play 25 games if required, so United need to keep McTominay until the summer.

Then there is the factor to consider that United should not strengthen top four rival Newcastle, who could end up as a Carabao Cup final opponent too.

Manchester United can upgrade Scott McTominay in the summer. Jude Bellingham would be a dream option. Until the end of the season however, it makes more sense for the club to keep him right where he is.