Man Utd willing to sell academy star to fund summer transfers

Stuart Telford

• 31 Mar 2023 19:43 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United rejected bids for Scott McTominay in the January transfer window but could let him leave in the summer to help raise funds for new players.

McTominay has been a first-team regular at Old Trafford for the last three seasons having graduated from their youth academy in 2017, and started six Premier League games in the first half of the season.

But he has gradually been phased out by Casemiro - an €80m arrival from Real Madrid - and an exit nest summer is beginning to look likely for the Scotland midfielder, who has scored three times in his last two international outings.

READ: McTominay equals Cristiano Ronaldo mark to send Ten Hag a message over Man Utd future

Even with Christian Eriksen injured in Manchester, McTominay has struggled to get back into the team under Erik ten Hag.

"That encouraged the Magpies to enquire about McTominay in the January transfer window, however Man United made it clear they were unwilling to do business with a Champions League rival," report Newcastle World.

"[But] the league table will reset in the summer, and Newcastle retain an interest in McTominay… NewcastleWorld has learned that the Red Devils are willing to sell their academy graduate, who has scored 18 goals in 202 appearances."

READ: Man Utd's key advantage in signing 'next Tchouameni'

Summer shopping

United could raise around €30 million from McTominay's sale according to FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, which might come in handy next summer, even if the Glazers are on the cusp of selling the club to Sheikh Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Financial Fair Play regulations could hinder United even if they become the world's richest club, and cashing in on an asset such as McTominay - who retains significant value without now getting his game - could prove shrewd.

United's primary transfer target this summer remains a No.9, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen among the front-runners to lead the line at Old Trafford, but both will cost north of €100 million.

Some budget will need to be made for central midfield too, however, with Marcel Sabitzer's loan deal from Bayern Munich expiring at the end of the current campaign.