Man Utd blow with Scott McTominay now facing EIGHT weeks out with knee injury and would miss Liverpool match

MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a major blow after Scott McTominay was ruled out for eight weeks through injury.

McTominay limped out of the Boxing Day triumph over Newcastle having hurt his knee but was hopeful it was only a minor problem.

Only last week boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed he expected to be without his key midfielder for a few weeks.

But scans have revealed the 23-year-old's injury is worse than first feared and that he has actually strained the ligaments in his knee.

It means McTominay is now likely to be out of action until the end of February - missing a key chunk of United's season.

The Scottish international has emerged as one of the most consistent performers for United this season playing a pivotal role in the centre of midfield.

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His form has effectively led to Nemanja Matic being frozen out by Solskjaer and looking for a January move away from Old Trafford.

But now Solskjaer's plans have been hit by the loss of McTominay as he approaches a period which will be vital to the way the season pans out for United.

The side find themselves four points adrift of Chelsea in the final qualifying spot for the Champions League places.

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But they face an Arsenal side on New Year's Day desperate to produce Mikel Arteta's first victory as manager, before an FA Cup trip to in form Wolves.

An EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester City follows, before Norwich and runaway leaders Liverpool come next in the Premier League.

The next three or four weeks can make a massive impact on whether United will enjoy a successful season or not.

They will now have to find someone else to replace the dynamism in the middle of the pitch usually provided by the Scot.