Man Utd can dash £45m Newcastle transfer dream as Erik ten Hag’s plans change

Manchester United could dash Newcastle’s £45million transfer dream by refusing to sanction a move for midfielder Scott McTominay. The Scotland international had been tipped to leave Old Trafford this summer, but Erik ten Hag’s transfer plans may have now changed after teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo injured his ankle during the Red Devils’ pre-season friendly defeat to Real Madrid on Thursday.

Newcastle have been tracking McTominay this summer as they look to build a squad that can compete in the Champions League. The Magpies booked their place in the top tier of this season’s European competition after exceeding expectations to secure a fourth-place Premier League finish last time around.

But Eddie Howe’s team could suffer the ultimate disappointment in their transfer quest as McTominay, who only started 10 Premier League matches last term, may still be needed at Old Trafford.

Mainoo’s rapid progression this year has led some people to predict that the 18-year-old would jump above McTominay in the United pecking order this season. But the youngster will now miss the early stages of the new campaign after he limped off in the opening minutes of the 2-0 defeat to Real.

“Manchester United can confirm that Kobbie Mainoo suffered an ankle injury during the match against Real Madrid on Tour 2023,” read a statement from the 13-time Premier League champions.

“The midfielder is expected to be ruled out for the first part of the 2023/24 season. He has flown home from Tour to the UK where further assessment of his injury will take place before a medical decision on the next steps.”

McTominay came through the United academy and has racked-up 19 goals in 209 appearances for the north west giants. But his long-term prospects of playing a key role at Old Trafford have diminished under Ten Hag.

According to The Times, West Ham are also interested in prising McTominay away from Manchester and presented a verbal offer for the 26-year-old. But their fee fell short of United’s £45m valuation. The Hammers could knock on the door once again in the coming weeks, as could Newcastle, as interest in the Scottish star heats up. And McTominay could even end up back in his homeland, with Celtic thought to be keen to snap him up as well.

Ten Hag could reassess the situation if United complete a deal for Fiorentina ace Sofyan Amrabat, but for now the Dutchman could be keeping his options open and may avoid rushing into any transfer decision.