According to a report from Mirror, Manchester United are engaged in discussions with German powerhouse Bayern Munich concerning a potential exchange deal that would involve their academy product Scott McTominay.
It is suggested that the Scottish midfielder might be on the verge of transferring to the Allianz Arena, while Ryan Gravenberch could be moving to Old Trafford as part of the deal. It’s worth noting that the Dutchman has previous experience playing under the guidance of Erik ten Hag during his tenure at Ajax.
McTominay’s Campaign With Manchester United Last Season
Scott McTominay had a mixed season with Manchester United in 2022/23. The Scottish midfielder started the season well, establishing himself as a regular starter in the team and making 35 appearances in various competitions. He was praised for his work rate and his ability to break up play after scoring three goals and grabbing an assist.
However, McTominay’s form dipped in the second half of the season. He was often criticized for his lack of creativity and his inability to make an impact in the final third. He also struggled with injuries, which limited his playing time resulting in only being used an impact substitute. The Scotland international averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.9 clearances, 0.6 interceptions and 0.5 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He was tidy while distributing the ball to his teammates after completing 82.9% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
Will Erik Ten Hag Succeed In Completing The Deal Before Deadline Day?
The fate of this potential deal hinges on the decision of the German giants, who would see Gravenberch moving in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, McTominay, despite his youth, holds promise as a proficient midfielder. To establish himself as a regular starter within any club, he must enhance both his consistency and offensive contributions. His fitness is also a concern, as recent seasons have seen him plagued by injuries.
Should McTominay manage to refine his skills, he could emerge as a pivotal figure at Bayern in the long run. However, he must dedicate himself to diligent effort and demonstrate a sustained capability to perform at a high caliber.
As the deadline day approaches, ten Hag will face mounting pressure to finalize the transaction. Yet, if Bayern hold reservations about McTominay’s potential to immediately make an impact in the Bundesliga, the deal is likely to collapse.