Scott McTominay undergoes surgery on groin injury: what impact might his absence have on United?

Manchester United have confirmed midfielder Scott McTominay has undergone surgery to deal with an ongoing groin injury.

“Scott has undergone surgery for an ongoing groin injury that was causing significant pain when playing,” the club said via an official statement.

“Having tried all other treatment options in pre-season, surgery was deemed necessary to resolve the issue. We hope to have him back soon.”

McTominay started the Red Devils’ season-opener against Leeds United and played a starring role in their 5-1 victory. However, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed ahead of the trip to Southampton last week that an injury had prevented the Scotland international from starting

McTominay was introduced from the bench during the latter stages of the 1-1 draw.

The academy graduate has established himself as a first-team regular under Solskjaer and played 49 games in all competitions last season, and only missed six league matches.

How might it affect the team?

It means Solskjaer will be left with limited options in centre-midfield, and Nemanja Matic and Fred, who struggled as a pairing against Southampton, could start against Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend. The Red Devils could also go with Paul Pogba or Donny van de Beek in the centre of the park.

McTominay’s injury may encourage United to move for a midfielder in the transfer market. The 20-time English champions have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez, or Ruben Neves, who they could face this weekend at Molineux.

However, with less than a week to go in the transfer market, United will have to act quickly if they are to bring in any new additions.