Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd make decision on Scott McTominay future amid Newcastle loan swap theory

Scott McTominay, Man Utd, during a pre-season friendly at Old Trafford

Manchester United are ready to refuse any attempt by Newcastle to take Scott McTominay in a swap deal with Martin Dubravka, according to the latest update.

Manchester United are widely reported to have made a move for Dubravka as they seek further competition for David De Gea. After failing with a number of other goalkeeper targets, such as Kevin Trapp, they have turned their attention back to the Slovenia international.

Dubravka was previously linked with Manchester United in January, when he was still Newcastle’s number one. The move never happened, though. He has since fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park, behind Nick Pope.

However, Manchester United’s pursuit of Dubravka is back on, as reported by a number of sources on Thursday. Their plan is to sign him on loan before having a £5million option to buy.

The interest has obviously got Newcastle thinking. If they are to sacrifice Dubravka, they may want to take a player in return from Manchester United.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle have been plotting to ask for McTominay on loan in return. The Scotland international is currently facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford after the arrival of Casemiro.

McTominay has started regularly in recent seasons for Manchester United. But with the extra competition for a midfield place, other clubs are theorising that he may be better off leaving for a different platform.

Newcastle are among those to have wondered about McTominay’s situation. They are yet to sign a midfield player in the current transfer window.

The Daily Mail, though, has revealed that Manchester United are not willing to entertain such a proposal for their academy graduate. Despite Newcastle expressing their interest, a deal will be denied.

McTominay stay makes sense for Man Utd – and Dubravka deal does too

It means McTominay is likely to continue competing for a place in Erik ten Hag’s midfield, along with Casemiro and Fred. Truth be told, it is an opportunity he deserves, even if he might have to up his game.

The arrival of a more naturally defensive midfielder like Casemiro could free him up to be more of a box-to-box player. That may be more his style.

As a result of the club’s decision, he will get the chance to add to his 173 appearances for them. If Newcastle want a new midfielder, they may have to look elsewhere.

Yet they could still lose their deputy goalkeeper, Dubravka to Manchester United. The move seems more feasible than it was in January due to his declining status in the north east.

And from his perspective, if he is going to be a backup player, it may be preferable to be so with a club competing in European football.

Hence, he could be calling McTominay a teammate soon, rather than someone who would be going in the opposite direction to him.

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