Paul Parker expects star ‘not good enough for Celtic’ to leave Man Utd as Newcastle eye bargain deal

Paul Parker feels Scott McTominay needs to leave Manchester United in the summer but believes he is not good enough to play for Celtic.

McTominay, 26, has spent his entire professional career at Old Trafford after coming up through the club’s youth teams. The Scotland international made his debut in September 2017 and has gone on to enjoy 200 outings in all competitions. The Lancaster-born ace has been a regular starter over the past few seasons but now finds himself down the pecking order.

Erik ten Hag put his trust in the Scot early on but Casemiro now occupies the midfield holding role.

The Brazilian’s superb form means he is a certainty to start and McTominay finds himself on the bench.

He has started only seven games among 17 top-flight appearances this term while enjoying 30 outings in all competitions.

The man with 37 Scotland caps is under contract at the Theatre of Dreams until the summer of 2025.

However, he has been linked with a summer exit as sitting on the bench decreases the chances of him playing for his national side.

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Both Rangers and Celtic have been linked with a move for the schemer. But former Manchester United full-back Parker believes moving to Ibrox is the more likely scenario.

“I think it could be a possibility for him to go to Rangers. He is not good enough to play for Celtic,” he told MyBettingSites.

“There is no way he would be able to play regularly for Celtic in the way they play. He will have a better chance of playing if he moves to Rangers.”

McTominay still with much to prove

Ten Hag has engineered a remarkable turnaround at United this season after moving into the Old Trafford dugout.

The north-west giants sit third and are on course to return to the Champions League.

Last weekend’s 7-0 humbling at the hands of Liverpool seems to have been just a blip. They bounced back to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

However, McTominay has watched most of the action from the bench, making late substitute appearances.

He did start the recent 3-1 FA Cup victory over West Ham but was substituted at half time.

It could be that a new challenge is the answer but Parker feels a move away may be the only option.

“It’s a big decision for him to leave Man United. But he has to do it because right now he is also playing jeopardy with his spot in the national team,” he added.

“He can be a sub for Man United but if he’s got anything about himself he wants to play as many games as possible.

“Right now his career isn’t something to write about. And he needs to show that he is hungry enough to get a decent career.

“I expect that he wants to leave Man United to show that he is a good player.”

Newcastle United have been mentioned in connection with the star, with multiple sources suggesting manager Eddie Howe is a big fan.

The Magpies certainly have the funds to facilitate a move but may not have to dig that deep.

It has been suggested by Football Insider that £25m might be enough for get a deal over the line if United do decide to let McTominay leave.