‘Performance and team spirit’ – Ten Hag stresses midfielder’s importance after £20m bid from Fulham

Erik ten Hag used his recent press conference to stress that Scott McTominay is a key player for Manchester United.

The Scotland international recorded his best goal tally (10) last season when he became an impact goalscorer as he’d arrive into the box from midfield positions.

McTominay also represented the Scots at Euro 2024 and scored one goal at the tournament against Switzerland.

However, United need to sell players and McTominay is one of few attracting interest from other clubs.

Fulham and Galatasaray have been linked with the midfield/striker hybrid this summer.

The latest reports suggest Fulham have made an offer worth £20 million for McTominay, however, it’s understood that United may accept as little as £25 million to sell the academy graduate.

When asked about the Scot’s future at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said (via ManUtd.com): “I’m so pleased with the performance from Scott McTominay and so pleased to have him in my squad, for the type of person he is. He has such an impact on this team with his performance and team spirit. Of course, now we play him in a more advanced position, which suits him much better. He is so important in making goals for our team and I’m very pleased to work with him and have him in our squad.”

The promise of regular football

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Perhaps the biggest problem for McTominay is that Ten Hag can’t promise him regular game time, as a starter. This is something Fulham and Galatasaray could guarantee him and we wouldn’t begrudge a player leaving for that reason.

Leaving United won’t be easy for McTominay because he loves the club. That said, I feel we should be getting at least £30m for his signature.

The Reds take on Liverpool in their final pre-season tour match this weekend. McTominay is expected be in the squad unless talks accelerate with Fulham between now and then.

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