Scott McTominay is reportedly now 'unlikely' to leave Manchester United during this summer's transfer window due to the injury suffered by teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding McTominay's future this summer, with West Ham United believed to be leading the race to sign the Scotland international.
The 26-year-old only started 10 Premier League matches during the 2022-23 campaign, with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen ahead of him in the pecking order, while Mason Mount has been signed this summer to boost the club's midfield options.
Mainoo had also been set to take on a first-team role in the coming season, with the 18-year-old making a huge impression during the club's preparations for the new campaign.
The teenager suffered an ankle injury against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening, though, and he will now be unavailable for the early stages of the 2023-24 campaign.
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Man United have not set a timeframe for Mainoo's recovery, but according to the Manchester Evening News, there is a fear that he could be on the sidelines for the next two months.
As a result, an exit for McTominay is unlikely, as Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag is wary of leaving himself short in the middle of the field in the early stages of the campaign.
Fred is expected to leave Man United this summer, with Galatasaray leading the race for him, while Donny van de Beek is being heavily linked with a move to Real Sociedad.
Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat could allegedly arrive before the end of the transfer window, but Mainoo's injury could potentially have changed Man United's plans for McTominay.
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Despite struggling for starts in the Premier League, the Scot featured on 39 occasions in all competitions last season, scoring three goals and registering one assist.
The midfielder has made 209 appearances for Man United during his professional career, meanwhile, contributing 19 goals and five assists in the process.
McTominay is currently with the Red Devils squad in the United States, and he played the final 30 minutes of the team's 2-0 loss to Real Madrid last time out.
Man United will round off their tour with a clash against German giants Borussia Dortmund on Sunday night before heading back to Europe for their final two friendlies of the summer against Lens and Athletic Bilbao.
Matt Law
