Three midfielders Man Utd could sign in January to replace Scott McTominay after injury
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay left Old Trafford in crutches following the 4-1 win over Newcastle, after he picked up a knee injury during the tie. These are the three alternatives for the midfielder that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should target for the January transfer window, including Bruno Fernandes.
Posted Saturday, December 28, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Manchester United star Scott McTominay may have damaged the ligaments in his knee during the 4-1 win over Newcastle United, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Scot now faces up to nine months out, depending on the extent of the injury, and Solskjaer may have to dip into the transfer market to replace him for the remainder of the season.
McTominay has been one of United’s best players this season, despite the overall disappointing first half of the team’s campaign.
But, he was forced off the pitch at half-time after picking up a knee injury early on in the match.
Manager Solskjaer warned fans that he may have damaged his knee ligaments, but further scans are needed.
The midfielder left the stadium in crutches after the match, prompting fears over his involvement for the remainder of the season.
Man Utd transfer news: McTominay injury replacements include Bruno Fernandes, Ndidi and Vidal (Image: GETTY Images)
"He’s done his ligament in his knee, probably. We don’t know how bad it is, so let’s see,” said Solskjaer.
"The boy has got the biggest heart of the lot. He played until half-time but we know when they stiffen up after. We’ll have to find out tomorrow, how he is.
"You see the attitude of the kid, of everyone, in the beginning of the game. I’m not sure if he’ll be ready for Saturday [against Burnley]. Probably not, but we’ve seen him recover before.”
If McTominay is out for a prolonged period of time, United may be forced into signing a new midfielder. These are three possible options that Solskjaer should consider.
Bruno Fernandes
United have been strongly linked with a move for Bruno Fernandes since the start of last summer.
The Sporting Lisbon star has taken the Portuguese league by storm since the beginning of last season, and would be a terrific replacement for McTominay.
He scored 32 goals from midfield last year, as well as recording 18 assists.
But, Fernandes is more of an attacking midfielder than McTominay, so it would likely mean that Nemanja Matic would have to fill in to cope defensively.
Man Utd transfer news: McTominay was spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches (Image: Twitter (@jvottonen))
Wilfred Ndidi
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has consistently been one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League over the past few seasons.
His value has skyrocketed since his arrival at the King Power Stadium three years ago, and at just 23 years old, still has plenty of seasons ahead of him.
Ndidi would be more of a like-for-like replacement for McTominay.
But, based on the £80million United were forced to spend to seal the Harry Maguire deal, it’s likely that the Foxes will set a huge price tag on the Nigerian.
Arturo Vidal
The future of Arturo Vidal is currently up in the air, after reportedly storming out of Barcelona training earlier this month.
Game time has come at a premium for the midfielder this season, and is believed to eager to leave the Nou Camp to play more minutes.
Vidal has previously been linked with a move to United, and could provide a short-term solution to their midfield crisis.
At 32-years-old, he’s likely to be the cheapest option available to Solskjaer, but United may want to sign someone else within the next 18 months.
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