Why Is Scott McTominay Crucial For Manchester United?

Scott McTominay’s rise to prominence has been remarkable. From starting in the team as Jose Mourinho’s blue-eyed boy to truly emerging as a key player for Manchester United this season, McTominay has had an interesting journey.

McTominay brings in physicality that United were lacking for some time. His hard-tackling, keeping possession under pressure, disrupting opposition gameplay, and shielding of the back four (along with an improved backline this season) have given United some sort of defensive stability.

McTominay is an extremely popular character among the United fanbase and that’s not only because of the above-mentioned traits. His passion and the effort he puts when playing for the badge is a big reason for his popularity. He is probably one of the few players in the team who gets what it means to play for United. And fans adore him for it.

His industry and workmanlike contribution give United a good overall balance. Over the course of this season, his performances against the bigger teams have proved crucial to United’s way of playing. He can break opposition moves and recycle the ball to quickly launch a counter-attack. Moreover, McTominay has helped bring the best out of Fred.

His recent injury, picked up against Newcastle United, has put the club in a difficult position. After initially expecting McTominay to recover soon, recent reports revealed that he is set to be out until April. This, coupled with Pogba’s own injury troubles, has left United in bare-bones when it comes to midfield.

It’s fair to say that Scott McTominay has helped United cope with the loss of Ander Herrera this season. But despite all that he brings to the table, McTominay is far from a complete player. He lacks the ability to pick out a killer pass to the forwards. He struggles against smaller teams who sit deep and play a low block. United lack a quality Number 10 in the team due to which some creative responsibility falls on MacTominay’s shoulders; this is also where he struggles. His risk-averse passing and poor final balls also speak against him.

What do you think of Scott McTominay? Share your views in the comments box below.

Originally published at https://letstactics.com on January 12, 2020.