Manchester United will reportedly resist any transfer interest in Scott McTominay this summer because Erik ten Hag sees him as a key part of rebuilding effort at the club.
McTominay is one of the few central midfielders left standing at Old Trafford following the departures of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata. McTominay, Fred and Donny van de Beek are set to be joined by Frenkie de Jong in Ten Hag’s squad for next season following a breakthrough in negotiations with Barcelona.
United have agreed an initial fee of £56million for De Jong , rising to a potential £70m with add-ons. The 25-year-old Netherlands international will put pen to paper on a five-year contract worth £250,000 per week at Old Trafford after Barca finally agreed to sell.
De Jong’s arrival will increase competition for places in central midfield next season, but it won’t affect McTominay’s standing in the squad. According to The Times , Newcastle United and another Premier League club made tentative inquiries about McTominay’s availability earlier in the transfer window, only to be rebuffed.
Ten Hag reportedly views the Scotland international as a ‘pivotal’ player. United therefore have no intention of entertaining bids for the 25-year-old, who has three years remaining on his contract.
McTominay came through the United academy and has made 170 first-team appearances since his debut in April 2017. He made 30 appearances in the Premier League last season, generally operating as a defensive-minded midfielder alongside Fred under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
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He was not among the players who reported for Ten Hag’s first training session of pre-season on Monday. McTominay is among the group of players who have been given more time off, having spent time away on international duty with Scotland this month.
David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Brandon Williams, Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial were all in attendance at Carrington for Ten Hag’s first chance to coach his new players. There could soon be some new arrivals among the players, with United stepping up their transfer efforts.
As well as De Jong, United have also struck a deal with Feyenoord to sign left-back Tyrell Malacia for £13m, rising to £15m with add-ons. The Dutch international had looked set to join Lyon before United hijacked the move late on with a higher offer.
United are waiting to hear back from Christian Eriksen, who they have offered a one-year contract with the possibility of a further 12 months to. Meanwhile, Mirror Football understands that a versatile forward who can play across the front line is the next priority for football director John Murtough and his team. Ajax forward Antony is on their shortlist, but Ajax are holding out for £70m – significantly more than United’s valuation of £40m.
