SCOTT MCTOMINAY has been ruled out until the end of January in a major blow to Manchester United’s top four hopes.
United have forced themselves back in contention for a place in the Champions League next season after back-to-back victories since Christmas.
But they will have to get through virtually the next month without the tireless running of McTominay in their midfield.
The Scottish international suffered a knee injury in the Boxing Day victory at Newcastle which Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s side won 4-1.
And scans have revealed that the 23-year-old suffered ligament damage, and faces a spell on the sidelines.
Boss Solskjaer said: “I wouldn’t expect him to be back in the next couple of weeks. I don’t think we’ll see him.
“He has proven before that if you give him three weeks he’s back in two. So, I don’t know.
“It might be three or four weeks. We’ve just got to find a way through it.”
The absence of McTominay will be a major blow to United, having emerged as one of the first names on the teamsheet every week this season.
He has made the position in the base of the midfield his own, leading to Solskjaer completely sidelining Nemanja Matic.
Now he will have to cover for the midfielder’s absence, which will put pressure on Fred and Andreas Perreira to deliver over the coming weeks.
Paul Pogba’s return to fitness has come at a welcome time, but he does not play in the role McTominay occupies in the side.
So Solskjaer is likely to team Perreira up with Fred in the midfield on New Year’s Day when United face Arsenal in their next match.
