Manchester United

Scott McTominay 'could be used as a striker in closing stages of season'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 March 2023

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag could use Scott McTominay as a back-up striker in the final months of the season, according to a report.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is allegedly considering using Scott McTominay as a striker in the final months of the 2022-23 campaign.

Anthony Martial's constant injury problems this season have seen Wout Weghorst take on a key role since his arrival on loan from Burnley during the January transfer window.

However, Weghorst has only found the back of the net on two occasions for the Red Devils, and his struggles in front of goal have been highlighted over the last few weeks.

Man United are still competing on three fronts this season, battling for a top-four finish in the Premier League table, in addition to fighting for silverware in the Europa League and FA Cup.

Manchester United's Wout Weghorst shoots at goal against Real Betis on March 9, 2023 © Reuters

Ten Hag's side will sign a new striker this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen thought to be the club's leading targets.

However, Ten Hag needs to find a solution for the rest of this season, and according to the Manchester Evening News, McTominay has emerged as a surprise option in the final third of the field.

The report claims that the Scotland international's presence as a back-up striker during his academy career could lead to him taking on that role for the first team.

McTominay has been a regular for the Red Devils this season, featuring on 32 occasions in all competitions, but he has struggled to secure regular starts, only being named in the first XI seven times in the Premier League, while he has started just once in the Europa League this term.

Scotland's Scott McTominay celebrates scoring their second goal with Kieran Tierney on March 28, 2023 © Reuters

There have been claims that the Man United academy product could depart the club this summer, with Newcastle United and West Ham United among the clubs to be credited with an interest.

However, it is understood that the Red Devils are not actively looking to sell him in the upcoming market.

McTominay has only found the back of the net on two occasions for Man United this season, while he has not managed to contribute a goal or an assist in 18 Premier League outings.

However, the Scot netted back-to-back braces for his country during the international break, including a double in the famous 2-0 victory over Spain at Hampden Park.

McTominay has represented Man United on 202 occasions in all competitions, contributing 18 goals and registering five assists in the process.