The kid's alright - the Scott McTominay thread

Video analysing McT's improvement under Ten Hag

 

At this point in the season I'm fine with benching Mount for Scott. Run out to 8:00, move Scott to 10 and start Pellistri on the right with Anthony

 

They're going to offer him a new contract now, aren't they?

 

He has been more worth his money this season than his replacement who we spent a lot of money on.

 

13 goals now in all comps between Utd and Scotland. For all his faults, and the shit he gets, let's take a moment to give him some props for this. A brilliant return really.

A goal every 165 minutes this campaign.

 

I want to try, but even strikers dont get a pass for scoring and being shit everywhere else in their game. How is a midfielder supposed to get credit for scoring but being useless elswhere?


The only way he can be useful is if we have a Godly 6 and 8 that do the bulk of distribution, while Scott just, as @MizzouMUFC put it... does the fellaini role.

So basically he and Bruno together is disgusting.

 

Since he’s clearly not losing his spot anytime soon because he’s one of the few in the squad that can finish, we badly need to find a way that he doesn’t kill our midfield. ETH should try dropping Bruno deeper into midfield to give the backline another outlet and give Amarabt/Mainoo some help.

 

I think this is the only viable option to get McT into advanced positions but not continue to leave large gaps and holes in the MF especially with how deep Maguire plays

 

When Eriksen gets back, I can see some line ups like

Eriksen and Mainoo with Scott and then Bruno on the right wing [although I hate him on the wing].

 

It will be interesting to see what is really in EtH mind once all the central midfield options are fit - as the injuries to LB (meaning Amrabat started playing there), then to Cas, Mount, Eriksen etc. have meant the options have never been fully available.

Also he started this season with the same 4-2-3-1 double pivot on defence setup that has definitely morphed more recently into a more dutch like 4-3-3 with a single-pivot and two #8s. Given he is sticking with his "pressing from the front" this was inevitable at some point but needs a mobile #6 which isn't Cas anymore but Amrabat and Mainoo seem capable.

Still have my concerns about us playing single-pivot in big away games though. Would rather EtH went double-pivot for those.

Given Bruno seems a nailed on starter so far under EtH (debatable if he should always be given form and options) then a lot of players capable of that remaining #8 in the 4-3-3.

McT scores goals, but have a feeling that when Cas back available (unless he goes to Saudi) he may be a better option as #8 alongside Bruno as he scores goals too, but unlike McT can at least do the other stuff (eg pick a pass and not hide). Mount also more suited and can also score goals, was a poor start to the season from him but we were playing double-pivot back then which doesn't really suit him.

Despite his limitations I do like McT as an option off the bench, but think he will not get starts once Cas and Mount back available..

 

Its not debatable to me. You take away our offense, you take away Bruno.

Until all other facets of our team are good [defending, possesion, etc] we have no other source of creativity.


I realize he's 30 or so and will need replacing very soon [plays all game, every game] so im not opposed to planning for the future. As long as Mount is not his replacement.

 

Don't get me wrong - I am team Bruno too.

However I do think he gets overplayed to his and the teams detriment (59 games last season).

He does have off days and should be subbed at times (has played every minute of every EPL game this season).

In my mind the poor form patches are down to us just asking too much of him.

 

Has ETH ever played Bruno on the right?

 

Against Man City .... but that game best forgotten

One of the moves last season was to sub Antony last 10 or so and move Bruno there - worked a few times as Bruno can swing in a nice cross from that position.

Not at his best starting there though - as dribbling and take-ons is not a Bruno thing.

 

I couldn't remember him ever playing there for ETH. But if the history is there, i guess it's possible ETH plays him on the right. I highly doubt it though.

 

If we lineup our midfield the same way against Pool at Anfield, we’ll be looking at another 7-1 type of game.

 

"By scoring in the 86th minute at Aston Villa, McTominay turned a draw into a vital victory, continuing a run where every one of his seven Premier League goals this season has meant something to United. Those contributions have equated to an extra 12 points for Ten Hag’s side – the most by any player in the division — and without them United would be 12th in the Premier League."

https://theathletic.com/5267925/2024/02/12/scott-mctominay-man-united-villa-goal/