SCOTT McTOMINAY has spoken about how close he came to departing Manchester United last January for Celtic in a loan deal. The 23-year-old was on Celtic’s radar but as Marouane Fellani left Old Trafford, McTominay decided to stay and show his worth to Ole Gunner Solskjaer. On reflection it probably was a bullet dodged for both parties that no deal transpired.
Speaking to the Official Manchester United Podcast, McTominay revealed that a loan move was on the cards but due to Fellani leaving, he decided to remain and fight for his place.
“About a year and half ago there was a time where a loan move might have been a possibility.
“You hear loads of stories about boys going on loan and different things like that, and I always had it in my head that I don’t want that.
“I want to be showing myself here first, and if it doesn’t work here then you go somewhere else.
“Then somebody leaves or something like that, and then your opportunity comes and you have to take it.
“For me, you hear the stories about getting the life of luxury at Manchester United and people take that for granted – like the food in the canteen, your kit being laid out for you every morning.
“People just expect that and you have to always remember where you came from in that respect, and always appreciate what people do for you.
“I feel like that culture is brought through for us.”
Brendan Rodgers, who may have already had his eye on a move to England, decided to raid the loan market with Jeremy Toljan, Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah all joining until the end the season.
The rumours had floated about regarding McTominay but fortunately for both parties, a deal never transpired. Celtic lacked presence in the midfield in the defeat at Ibrox but it would appear more of a tactical issue than a personnel one.
In reality, McTominay wasn’t the type of player that Celtic needed. With Scott Brown, Olivier Ntcham, Callum McGregor and Tom Rogic all vying for midfield slots along with the versatile Nir Bitton, there was never much room for McTominay.
Had he taken his place at Celtic Park, he would have required game time and if we cast our minds back to 2019, Celtic were in the middle of a title battle. Players needed to hit the ground running and have Celtic and success at the front of their minds. McTominay is a defensive midfielder and whilst he may have been effective in the European matches versus Valencia, it is hard to see Scott Brown being dropped for a Manchester United loanee.
He may very well have been a success at the club but when Neil Lennon arrived, he gave priority to the Celtic first team and not loanees as the club secured a Treble Treble.
Despite being a competent player, the move at the time was not what Celtic were needing and it looks as if we have both had a positive outcome for him not joining the club. Since remaining at United, McTominay has been a star performer and his presence was felt in the derby win over Manchester City.
The failed move has probably benefited both parties.
INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr
The Celtic Star’s very own Matt Corr – who you may also know as a Tour Guide at Celtic Park – publishes his first Celtic book, titled INVINCIBLE – early next month. This beautiful hardback book will be the definitive story of Celtic’s magical2016-17 season – it truly is wonderful, a real joy to read, and brilliantly written by Matt.
If you have been reading Matt’s regular contributions on The Celtic Star or indeed in the Matchday Programme or in the Celtic View you will know just how talented a Celtic writer he is. The book is published by The Celtic Star and you can pre-order below.
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