Why Howe, Ashworth & Nickson want Man Utd’s Scott McTominay – Report reveals six key reasons

Earlier this week, The Telegraph revealed that Newcastle were set to launch a summer bid for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

Based on the reaction that followed on social media, it seems Toon fans aren’t keen on a move for the Scott, so it feels like a good time to explore why Eddie Howe, Dan Ashworth and Steve Nickson are all in favour of bringing the Scotland international to St James’ Park.

According to Luke Edwards – The Telegraph’s main man in the North-East – these are some of the key reasons why McTominay appeals to the recruitment team:

• Howe believes he has the physical attributes to succeed in our system. With his height and athleticism, McTominay would also add muscle in midfield and a threat at set-pieces.

• Chief scout Steve Nickson, director of football Dan Ashworth and Howe all agree he would add something different to the squad.

• Howe wants to prioritise players with experience of playing in British football, which he has, so no bedding in period.

• McTominay would be used as a deep lying midfielder to shield the back four, allowing playmaker Bruno Guimarares to play further up the pitch to add more creativity in the final third.

• At the age of 26, it is also believed he is a player who can still improve under Howe’s coaching and thrive in the holistic training ground environment.

• With Newcastle almost certain to be playing in Europe next season, McTominay would also add vital experience of playing on the continent. This is something Newcastle’s squad lacks and this is something that will be attractive in all their potential targets in the summer.

He is a big unit, a good athlete and brings plenty of experience, but I’m struggling with this one for a number of reasons.

Buying British makes sense if they’re thriving in the Premier League and one of the best in their position, but McTominay is neither. He’s fifth choice at Man Utd – a ‘big six’ rival we are trying to overtake – so it doesn’t sit right with me to be signing someone who has struggled to get in their team for a few years now.

I can’t help but feel there’s superior alternatives in Europe who would cost less and arrive with more potential to grow with the club. I’ll back the club and any player who comes recommended by Howe, Ashworth AND Nickson, yet this would feel like an underwhelming move when shopping on the continent has got us the likes of Botman, Bruno an Isak; three players on a different level to McTominay.