Scott McTominay has reportedly been earmarked to become Manchester United's first-choice option in defensive midfield after the club failed in its pursuit of Jude Bellingham.
The Red Devils came close to bringing then-Birmingham City wonderkid Bellingham to Old Trafford earlier this year and the 17-year-old even met with club legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
But the midfielder opted to join Borussia Dortmund in July for a fee which could rise to over £30million.
Bellingham's decision saw United miss out on their priority midfield target, though the club have since added Netherlands star Donny van de Beek to their ranks.
Former Ajax man Van de Beek traditionally plays in an advanced midfield position, however, which leaves United short of options in the holding role.
Nemanja Matic was rewarded with a new contract after impressing in defensive midfield last season, but is now 32 years old and likely coming to the end of his Red Devils career.
Elsewhere, Fred also enjoyed patches of form but questions remain over his ability to play in a holding role alongside Paul Pogba - who is assured of his starting status.
Where is McTominay's best position? Have your say here.
With a hole in defensive midfield and having missed out on Bellingham, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will turn to McTominay, according to The Athletic .
The report adds Scotland international McTominay is accustomed to a holding role having played in such a capacity when he broke into United's team under former boss Jose Mourinho.
Matic is seen as the ideal mentor for the 23-year-old, who made 37 appearances last season across all competitions and scored five goals.
McTominay featured in all but two of United's Premier League games in the first half of the 2019/20 campaign before suffering a knee injury during the festive period.
He has frequently played in an advanced central midfield role in the past but some of his best performances - including in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool last season - have come when he is fielded in front of the defence.
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