It may seem like a bandwagon-jumping statement to suggest that Scott McTominay is the player who can save Erik ten Hag’s job at Man Utd in the coming weeks but there is more to come from the Scotland international after his stoppage-time double to secure a 2-1 against Brentford.
Last Word on Football takes a look at his key attributes and why he may just be the most valuable player at the manager’s disposal for the upcoming fixtures after the international break.
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McTominay Completes United’s Versatility in Midfield
The make-up of the club’s midfield has been analysed intently since the start of the season. If we were in an ideal world, Casemiro would break up opposition attacks, move forward and add goals when the forwards were struggling to score. Sofyan Amrabat would dictate play from deep, providing cover defensively when needed and this would allow captain Bruno Fernandes to be at his creative best without having to worry about his defensive duties as often as he has done so this season.
Mason Mount would be another attack-minded option when he settles into whatever role the manager has in mind for him. Christian Eriksen is another option to dictate play from deep and very few possess his qualities as a deep-lying playmaker. However, none of this has clicked into place due to tactical changes, injuries and a slow integration process for some of the newcomers.
There is one variable left out of these options and McTominay offers the Red Devils an aerial threat, excellent ball-carrying skills and a knack for getting forward and supporting attacks when the team needs him to do so.
The 26-year-old is United through and through with his commitment levels second to none amongst this current squad. He is effective in both boxes and having a player with these attributes when the team is struggling gives the team a highly versatile player who can be turned to regardless of who the opposition is or how the game has turned out.
Club Legend Highlights Midfielder’s Value
Peter Schmeichel was full of praise for McTominay after his late double sealed a comeback victory over Brentford and questioning why the player was up for sale in the summer:
“He’s got the ability to do that.”
“I don’t understand what coaches are doing. Scott McTominay was up for sale all summer and I don’t understand that.”
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The club’s former goalkeeper went on to speak about what the player can offer:
“He’s a fantastic player, you need utility players. You need players that can play different positions, that can come from the bench and change the course of the game and he’s one of them.”
Manager Has Previously Spoken on Brentford Hero’s Significance
Scott McTominay included in Premier League Team of the Week pic.twitter.com/ZioX25TXKO
— SirNurain (@UTDNurain) October 10, 2023
It is not the first time the manager has recognised the midfielder’s importance to the squad, speaking after the win over Everton in April, he stated:
“McTominay is a great player, a big personality, and I’m so happy I have him in my squad, with his energy and never giving up.”
If the Red Devils had lost at home to Brentford we likely would have been just one more poor result away from the Dutchman facing the sack. If the team collected anything less than three points away to basement dwellers Sheffield United a decision would have had to be made around the progress this side is making.
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The next three games after the Blades against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, the Manchester derby and the Carabao Cup game against Newcastle could leave the team all but out of Europe, out of the cup they won last season and miles off the race for the top four.
McTominay’s Importance Will Become Clear as Vital Period for Ten Hag’s Job at Man Utd Beckons
McTominay’s qualities are going to be a key factor if positive results are to be achieved at Old Trafford in the coming weeks. Casemiro is suspended for the Copenhagen game meaning a goal threat and energy will be depleted from midfield, an area that has already been struggling in most outings this campaign.
The derby against Manchester City will be difficult to navigate tactically as despite Pep Guardiola and his side’s recent struggles, adopting an attacking approach may leave United vulnerable and the treble winners have the quality to pick off any team. If the red side of Manchester can keep the game tight then their match-winning midfield can make the difference in the closing stages.
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The fixtures list is quite heavy at this time of year and with every game crucial to halt the current poor run of form, rotation will be essential to stay competitive in every competition. Changes will need to be made for the midweek Carabao Cup meeting with Newcastle and with the regular starters needed for the fight to stay in Europe and maintain a respectable position fighting for the top four, the Scotland international may just be the key to the team ticking over in midfield in a repeat of last season’s final.
McTominay has a crucial role to play if Ten Hag is to see out this tricky period and keep hold of his job as manager of Man Utd.
