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Erik ten Hag has revealed that Scott McTominay is set to be sidelined for “weeks” in a significant blow for Manchester United.
United are already reeling from the loss of Christian Eriksen, who has been ruled out for the majority of the rest of the season with an ankle injury sustained in last week’s FA Cup win over Reading.
A statement released on United’s website on Tuesday read: “While investigations are continuing, initial assessments indicate that Eriksen is likely to be out until late April or early May.
“The 30-year-old’s absence will be a big disappointment to manager Erik ten Hag and fans, given the consistency of his performances throughout the season so far, making 31 appearances since arriving at Old Trafford.
“However, there is hope that Christian can return in time to play a role in the final stages of the campaign. We all wish Christian the best of luck for a speedy recovery.”
Ten Hag reveals McTominay injury
McTominay missed the win over Reading and Ten Hag has confirmed the midfielder has suffered a “muscular” problem.
“It is, of course, a concern and there are things you have to deal with and you can’t do nothing for it,” Ten Hag said on Tuesday afternoon.
“You can set the squad but in January is dropping out Donny [van de Beek] for the rest of the season and Christian Eriksen for part of the season and also Scott McTominay is not available for the coming week, two weeks, maybe even longer.
“So we have a challenge there, the squad has a challenge. We have quality players there, that is obvious, but the depth is not that good anymore. But we as a team have to deal with that.”
United are expected to sign Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich on deadline day as cover for Eriksen.
The Austria international travelled to the UK on Tuesday to complete the deal.
Speaking earlier in the day, Ten Hag said United would look for opportunities in the final hours of the transfer window.
“I said from day one, when there are opportunities we will look and that is also for every hour we have still, if there are opportunities we have to act but it is so difficult,” he said.
“We all know the last day is not that likely to bring the right player in. You can probably have a player but it must be a player that can have an impact, otherwise it is better to leave it.
“As a manager, I think you always try to find to make your team better. I wouldn’t be a good manager if I didn’t make the request.
“If there are opportunities, it is my job to tell the club there are opportunities to strengthen the squad and our team. And it is about them and about financial frameworks and what is acceptable and what is reasonable.
“And what do we need to realise our ambitions and also what doesn’t match with our policy and strategy and the phase we are in.”
