Why Scott McTominay would be a smart signing for Celtic in January
Scottish champions Celtic could make a move to take Manchester United utility player Scott McTominay on loan in January, according to the Scotsman.
Manchester United are planning to loan out the Scottish midfielder once the transfer window reopens, in order for him to get some game time. Championship duo Aston Villa and Leeds United wanted Scott McTominay in the summer but United rejected those offers. However, manager Jose Mourinho is now open to the youngster leaving the club on a short-term loan deal in January.
McTominay, 21, has struggled so far this season and has only seen 156 minutes of Premier League action. The midfielder was hooked off at half-time during United’s 3-2 comeback victory over Newcastle United. Truth be told, he has been played out of position on numerous occasions so far this season.
As Mourinho rates McTominay very highly, the best he can do is to send him on loan. In that case, Celtic could be the ideal destination for the young Scotsman. Apparently, McTominay was linked with a season-long loan move to Celtic in the summer and the Hoops must now attempt to bring the midfielder once the window reopens.
Celtic have endured a slow start to the season as they have royally struggled to put in consistent displays in the domestic campaign. Brendan Rodgers didn’t receive adequate backing from the board in the transfer market, while Celtic’s direct rivals spent massively to strengthen their squads to challenge for the Premiership title.
Rodgers’ side are in need of additions when the January transfer window opens and Celtic could benefit by having McTominay for the second half of the season. McTominay is a versatile player who can be used in the midfield as well as in the defence.
He can play the role of a defensive midfielder and protect the backline, while he would also suit the box-to-box role. The Scottish youngster is a hard-working player whose versatility would prove to be a fantastic asset for the Glasgow club.
The midfielder stands at 6ft 4in, and won’t be very bullied off the ball easily. He is also calm and composed on the ball and his distribution skills are decent. Celtic play a possession-based football under Rodgers and hence, having a player of McTominay’s talent would be great.
McTominay would also help reduce the workload off the shoulders of skipper Scott Brown, who is 33 and is in the twilight of his career. He obviously has the quality to further improve the Hoops’ midfield.
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At 21, McTominay needs to play regularly if he is to unlock his true potential. So a loan move would certainly be great for the Scotsman and his arrival at Celtic Park would be a real boost to everyone in January.