Manchester United injury blow ‘could have implications’ for West Ham United pursuit of Scott McTominay
The injury to Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo “could have implications” for West Ham in their pursuit of his teammate Scott McTominay, according to The Telegraph.
The newspaper reported on its website on Saturday (29 July) that Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag may now have to rethink about McTominay’s future after the injury to fellow midfielder Mainoo in their pre-season loss to Real Madrid on Thursday (27 July).
The Red Devils boss has been “open” to selling the Scotland international this summer, with West Ham interested, the newspaper added.
“Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been ruled out for the first part of next season in a bitter cruel setback that could have implications for the future of Scott McTominay,” according to The Telegraph.
“United plan to sell Fred, who is not on the tour for personal reasons, and Donny van de Beek but Mainoo’s injury may force a rethink on McTominay, who is wanted by West Ham.
“Ten Hag has been open to selling McTominay if a bid of around £45 million came in but the loss of Mainoo plus the prospect of multiple sales could leave the United manager short in midfield and he will have a decision to make now on whether he can realistically lose the Scotland international.”
Another blow
West Ham have had plenty of blows in their search for a new midfielder to replace Declan Rice, who left for Premier League rivals Arsenal earlier this summer.
Their pursuit of the likes of McTominay, Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher and Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse has brought little success so far, with Hammers fans perhaps getting worried at the lack of new signings, particularly in that area of the pitch.
The East London club get their new season underway against Bournemouth on 12 August, and they will most certainly struggle to get off to a good start if they have not replaced Rice by that stage.
The days are rapidly declining, with David Moyes needing to accelerate transfer proceedings in the coming weeks.
The injury to Mainoo is a real blow to the young midfielder, but McTominay should at least benefit if he does end up staying at Old Trafford for another season.
In other West Ham news, Moyes has mooted an important first-team role next season for a youngster the club like “a lot.”