Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he is unlikely to use Scott McTominay as a striker, insisting he will keep faith in Wout Weghorst.
McTominay started in midfield for Scotland in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Spain on Tuesday, popping up in the box to score both goals in a famous 2-0 win.
The 26-year-old briefly moved into a centre forward role during his time in United’s youth ranks but ten Hag says he currently has no plans to change his position.
‘He can play in many roles,’ ten Hag told a press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United.
‘It’s clear he has scoring capabilities. Also this season for us he’s a really good finisher. But I see him as a midfielder.
‘So I think I’m happy with Wout is doing. Because when Wout is in the team the team is performing better.’
United signed Weghorst on loan from Burnley during the January transfer window with the Netherlands international starting all 18 matches he has been available for with Anthony Martial sidelined during that period.
The striker has scored twice in that period against Nottingham Forest and Real Betis.
Martial could be ready to force his way back into the side with ten Hag confirming the Frenchman has trained with no setbacks during the international break.
The 27-year-old has not started a game since the victory over Manchester City on 14 January, making just one appearance off the bench against Forest in early February.
But he is now in line to make a return to the squad for Sunday’s trip to Tyneside.
‘He is training. So, for two weeks now,’ ten Hag said. I think he can be in the squad for Sunday.’
Marcus Rashford meanwhile missed England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine but having also returned to training, ten Hag is hopeful of having his top scorer back this weekend.
‘I have good hope,’ ten Hag said. ‘He trained but he had to do some treatment, he had to do some individual training and, today, he joined in the group. I think we have one more day so I have good hope he’s available. I think so.’
MORE : Erik ten Hag provides injury update on Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford
MORE : Manchester United refuse to let Mason Greenwood return to training until next season at the earliest
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
