We want to keep him’ – Amorim Rules Out Man Utd Midfielder Leaving Club

‘We want to keep him’ – Amorim Rules Out Man Utd Midfielder Leaving Club

 

 

Sporting CP head coach Rúben Amorim has made it emphatically clear that Manchester United loanee, Scott McTominay, is not going anywhere—at least not under his watch. Amid swirling rumors linking the Scottish midfielder with a return to the Premier League this summer, Amorim has drawn a firm line in the sand, stating that the player is integral to Sporting’s future plans.

 

The Portuguese tactician, widely credited for transforming Sporting into one of the most dynamic sides in the Primeira Liga, addressed speculation during a press conference ahead of their penultimate league match. “We want to keep him,” Amorim said plainly. “There is no doubt about what he brings to the team. Scott has adapted incredibly well, and we see him as a long-term part of our project.”

 

A Successful Loan Spell

 

McTominay’s loan to Sporting raised some eyebrows when it was finalized during the previous summer window. With Manchester United undergoing yet another period of tactical reshuffle under Erik ten Hag, the 27-year-old found his playing time limited, despite his energetic performances and loyal service in past seasons. The move to Lisbon, though unexpected, proved to be a masterstroke for all parties involved.

 

In Sporting green and white, McTominay has flourished. Partnering well with the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Pedro Gonçalves in midfield, his blend of physicality, pressing intensity, and underrated technical skill has helped balance Amorim’s fluid system. In 31 appearances across all competitions, McTominay has contributed 6 goals and 5 assists—numbers that highlight his value as more than just a holding midfielder.

 

More than statistics, though, it is his leadership on the pitch that has stood out. Often seen barking orders and rallying teammates, the Scottish international has brought a degree of steel and maturity to Sporting’s youthful core. His presence has helped stabilize the team in key fixtures, especially during their strong Europa League run and heated domestic title race.

 

Amorim’s Vision for the Future

 

Rúben Amorim has built a reputation as one of the most innovative young coaches in European football, and his ability to mold versatile players to fit his tactical blueprint is well-known. Under his guidance, McTominay has not only regained confidence but has also shown tactical growth.

 

Initially deployed in a defensive midfield role, McTominay has since been used in more advanced positions as well. Amorim has praised his adaptability, saying, “Scott is more than a defensive player. He can break lines, he can arrive in the box. He’s intelligent and always improving.”

 

Amorim’s desire to keep McTominay is aligned with the club’s ambition to maintain domestic dominance and make a deeper run in Europe next season. With Sporting poised to secure Champions League football, the importance of retaining experienced and consistent performers like McTominay cannot be overstated.

 

Manchester United’s Stance

 

From Manchester United’s perspective, the situation remains somewhat fluid. While McTominay’s departure was initially seen as a temporary solution, his resurgence in Portugal has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford. However, with the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo and the continued reliance on Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, United’s midfield is undergoing a generational shift.

 

Sources close to the club suggest that United are open to negotiating a permanent deal, provided Sporting can meet their valuation—rumored to be around £25 million. But there’s also a faction within the United hierarchy that values McTominay as a potential squad option, especially with question marks lingering over the futures of players like Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek.

 

Ten Hag himself has remained non-committal when asked about McTominay’s long-term role. “We’re monitoring all of our players out on loan,” he said recently. “Scott has been excellent for Sporting, and we’re happy to see him doing well. We’ll evaluate everything at the end of the season.”

 

Player’s Perspective

 

For McTominay, the decision may ultimately come down to personal fulfillment and career trajectory. After spending over a decade at Manchester United, the midfielder now finds himself thriving in a new environment. Reports suggest he is enjoying life in Lisbon, both on and off the pitch. The stability and responsibility offered by Amorim have helped reinvigorate his game.

 

In a recent interview with a Portuguese outlet, McTominay hinted at a desire to stay: “I’ve learned so much here. The fans, the staff, the whole experience—it’s been really positive. Right now, I’m just focused on finishing the season strongly. What happens after, we’ll see.”

 

While McTominay has always expressed love for Manchester United, he may be faced with the reality that his path forward is clearer outside of Old Trafford. Regular starts, European competition, and the backing of a coach who believes in him may outweigh the nostalgia of staying at his boyhood club.

 

Sporting’s Financial Play

 

Sporting, for their part, appear willing to break their usual financial ceiling to secure McTominay on a permanent basis. With potential player sales this summer—including the likely departure of Ugarte to a Premier League side—the club expects to free up both budget and a midfield slot.

 

Amorim has reportedly requested the board to prioritize McTominay’s purchase early in the window to avoid losing momentum. Talks between the two clubs are expected to intensify once the season concludes. There’s also the possibility of a structured deal with add-ons, which could make the transfer more manageable for Sporting financially.

 

Conclusion

 

As the season nears its end, McTominay’s future hangs delicately in the balance. What is clear, however, is Rúben Amorim’s unwavering desire to keep him in Lisbon. “We want to keep him,” he reiterated. “He’s important—not just as a player, but as a person in this dressing room.”

 

For now, McTominay remains a key figure in Sporting’s final push for silverware, and whether or not he returns to the red of Manchester United, he has undoubtedly left a significant impression on Portuguese football.

 

In an era where loyalty and long-term planning often take a back seat to short-term fixes, Sporting’s intent to retain McTominay is refreshing—and possibly a game-changer for both the player and the club.

 

 

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