Scott McTominay faces uncertain future with Manchester United despite Scotland exploits

Scott McTominay faces an uncertain future as he comes to a crossroads in his Manchester United career.

The 26-year-old starred for Scotland during the international break, scoring four goals in the Euro 2024 qualifying wins over Spain and Cyprus.

Tomorrow, he will be in Erik ten Hag’s squad to face Newcastle at St James’ Park having attracted keen interest from the opposition in the January window.

United rejected Newcastle’s approaches then, but McTominay’s situation is expected to be re-evaluated in the summer.

Old Trafford sources insist he has an important role to play for the rest of the season and won’t be pushed out. There is a great deal of pride in his progress, as well as a degree of sensitivity around the prospect of selling a homegrown player who has been associated with the club since the age of five.

But he is entering the prime years of his career and has only made 13 starts in all competitions under Ten Hag this season.

Christian Eriksen and Fred have been the preferred midfield partners for £70million summer signing Casemiro, with on-loan Marcel Sabitzer providing even more competition.

That is only set to increase next season with United keen on England’s Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, and Dutch ace Frenkie de Jong.

McTominay is under contract until 2025 but must weigh up whether he will get enough opportunities.

McTominay played as a striker for United’s academy and has scored twice from midfield this season — as many goals as January loan signing Wout Weghorst. Ten Hag was asked if McTominay might be a better option than the Dutchman against Newcastle given his exploits for Scotland.

‘He can play in many roles,’ replied the United manager. ‘It’s clear he has scoring capabilities, and also this season for us he’s a really good finisher. But I see him as a midfielder, so I’m happy with what Wout is doing.

‘When Wout is in the team, we are performing better.’

Ten Hag is confident Marcus Rashford will face Newcastle after recovering from the injury that kept him out of England duty, and striker Anthony Martial could also return to the squad for the first time in two months.

The 53-year-old boss also expressed hope that contract talks with Rashford and goalkeeper David de Gea will end positively after Luke Shaw agreed new terms. The England defender will sign his contract soon.