Report: Scott McTominay Could Be Loaned Out by Manchester United in January

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay could reportedly leave the club on loan in January and join either Leeds United or Aston Villa after falling out of favour under manager Jose Mourinho. 

The Sun (h/t Mirror's Jack Rathborn) reported Mourinho is considering if McTominay would benefit from leaving the Old Trafford spotlight temporarily, with Championship clubs Villa and Leeds touted as destinations.

A move to Elland Road would give the Scotland anchor a chance to work under tactical guru Marcelo Bielsa, who has the Lilywhites third in England's second tier. Villa are dwindling by comparison and sit 15th, having just appointed Dean Smith as the successor to the recently fired Steve Bruce.

The 21-year-old became a first-team squad regular for United last season but has not enjoyed the same form this campaign. He's played just four league matches, and his only 90-minute outing came at centre-back during the 3-1 defeat at West Ham United in September.

He was then substituted at half-time in the 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle United having failed to impress.

Sports writer Zito appeared to agree with the decision:

Mourinho criticised McTominay and team-mate Marcus Rashford for their performances against the Magpies, per Rathborn: "Maybe it was my wrong decision to start Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay. They were not ready for this level of pressure that the man-hunting is bringing."

Though they came back to win, United were trailing Newcastle 2-0 at home, as described by Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport:

The Scotland international may not have picked up momentum as easily this season, but that was always likely after Fred arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk to add more competition for places in midfield.

The prospect of working under a figure as revered as Bielsa—however temporary it may be—could be appealing for a central midfielder like McTominay.

A move to Villa Park may not be as desirable for McTominay. They have won one of their last 11 matches and are an unknown quantity under Smith.