Football doesn't work like that. In United's history there have been so many reliable players who have been great servant without attracting the attention of big clubs
39
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 37
- Goals
- 5
- Assists
- 1
- Yellow cards
- 4
- Status
I think expectations are way over the roof here. He is still relatively young and has improved himself enough to get promoted to the first team which in itself is very challenging at a premier league top 6 club in turmoil. The lad is having to improve mentally as well as technically while being a first team started which he isn't expected to do.
Ideally, he should have two established players ahead of him whom he can shadow and learn from. Unfortunately, our recruitment policy has put him up front and center with expectations of being a matured PL proven midfielder. We have to be patient with him and rid ourselves off these ridiculous expectations. The role he is trying to play needs maturity and experience which he currently lacks.
In fact, the positive I see from him is that when he has time with the ball, he is trying to pick his passes. It is clearly an area he has been working on during pre-season with Carrick. Maybe he will gradually improve over the season and become more composed in possession.
Ideally, he should have two established players ahead of him whom he can shadow and learn from. Unfortunately, our recruitment policy has put him up front and center with expectations of being a matured PL proven midfielder. We have to be patient with him and rid ourselves off these ridiculous expectations. The role he is trying to play needs maturity and experience which he currently lacks.
In fact, the positive I see from him is that when he has time with the ball, he is trying to pick his passes. It is clearly an area he has been working on during pre-season with Carrick. Maybe he will gradually improve over the season and become more composed in possession.
I wasn’t too convinced when Jose started playing him tbh. Seemed limited, like a Cleverley 2.0. I think Mourinho said something like “The boy does what I tell him to do.”. Had that impression until I saw him play in an u23 game and he was everywhere. Showed pretty decent footwork and skill with the ball.
It’s still early days, but I think if he continues improving, he would become a slightly better midfielder than Fletcher was. Only time will tell!
It’s still early days, but I think if he continues improving, he would become a slightly better midfielder than Fletcher was. Only time will tell!
He is also significantly younger than those players. I also read somewhere in the youth team he didn't play midfield and was out for a bit so when you consider everything he has been on an extraordinary path of development.
He has come on leaps and bounds in just one year and is clearly astute so I think whilst he may not be top level at moment, I expect for him to be top class in a couple of years.
Fletcher got this criticism when he first started but by 2008 he was turning into an immense player for us. People forget but he was robbed of becoming considered top class by that illness. It wasn't talent was lacking.
He’s a #8 for me. #6 highlights his weaknesses which hopefully will be ironed out too.
I don't think matic has the energy or speed for playing as an defensive midfielder now. As a defensive screen he seems unable to intercept threats which is pretty fundamental. I'd just use him as a back-up midfielder now. Ideally from his perspective he needs a move to somewhere like Italy. Mctominay on the other hand has the tools to play as a DM although he'll probably never put up passing figures like matic. Eric Dier level might be a more realistic expectation.
Must admit much improved player than I gave him credit for and clearly has a future at the club. Plays different but reminds me on how I felt about Fletch. Love him as a Utd player but always felt was more ideally a squad player than a starter. There are better players in midfield in the league not to mention in Europe...
Fair play to him. He does a job and is an academy product. I'd love him to push on and become a top player. Not his fault the board hasn't invested in midfielders.
Mail I just sent to F365 about young Scott.
Whilst not giddy with optimism for the season ahead, nor am I downbeat about United's prospects, but I would like to take a moment to talk about the young man currently holding our very sketchy midfield together; Scott McTominay.
When he first came into the side, seemingly as part of some bizarre point scoring exercise by Jose, I didn't think much of him. He wasn't quick, he wasn't overtly tenacious, didn't seem a wonderful technician or a graceful, Carrick-lite passer of the ball. There were no obvious strengths to this young man. Then, with each passing game, he got steadily better and I realised that I'd seen this before.
16 years ago, Sir Alex introduced a young Scottish midfielder into the Manchester United first team and my mates and I were perplexed. Often shunted out to the right flank, he too lacked searing pace, wonderful technique or incisive passing ability. What on earth did Fergie see in him that we didn't? As always, Sir knew best and we were fools as a few years later, Darren Fletcher was a key part of the squad. Never the star, not even necessarily in your first XI, but almost always starting the difficult away matches, he became a really important part of the setup and proved my, and many others, initial doubts wrong through hard work, application and tactical discipline. If it weren't for unfortunate illness that blighted his later career, he'd have made many more appearances for the club.
I expect McTominay to follow in his footsteps, relying on a lack of weaknesses and hard work rather than abundant natural ability. We'll have flashier players, ones that sell more shirts abroad, but like Fletcher, I think he's a cult, terrace hero in the making. Could probably do with signing him some help, mind...
Whilst not giddy with optimism for the season ahead, nor am I downbeat about United's prospects, but I would like to take a moment to talk about the young man currently holding our very sketchy midfield together; Scott McTominay.
When he first came into the side, seemingly as part of some bizarre point scoring exercise by Jose, I didn't think much of him. He wasn't quick, he wasn't overtly tenacious, didn't seem a wonderful technician or a graceful, Carrick-lite passer of the ball. There were no obvious strengths to this young man. Then, with each passing game, he got steadily better and I realised that I'd seen this before.
16 years ago, Sir Alex introduced a young Scottish midfielder into the Manchester United first team and my mates and I were perplexed. Often shunted out to the right flank, he too lacked searing pace, wonderful technique or incisive passing ability. What on earth did Fergie see in him that we didn't? As always, Sir knew best and we were fools as a few years later, Darren Fletcher was a key part of the squad. Never the star, not even necessarily in your first XI, but almost always starting the difficult away matches, he became a really important part of the setup and proved my, and many others, initial doubts wrong through hard work, application and tactical discipline. If it weren't for unfortunate illness that blighted his later career, he'd have made many more appearances for the club.
I expect McTominay to follow in his footsteps, relying on a lack of weaknesses and hard work rather than abundant natural ability. We'll have flashier players, ones that sell more shirts abroad, but like Fletcher, I think he's a cult, terrace hero in the making. Could probably do with signing him some help, mind...
Wonder where's he getting those stats from because they don't seem accurate. Whoscored use opta data and they have McTominay making 2 tackles and 2 interceptions against Chelsea, Wan-Bissaka won possession far more with 6 tackles and 3 interceptions. Ndidi made 4 tackles and 5 interceptions against Wolves which is also a lot more.
UEFA also use this "won possession" stat which is lot different from the one you get from whoscored.com.
I think he uses stats zone, which gives details stats (for premium users)
I'm guessing it must include recovering loose balls or something on top of tackles and interceptions. Normally I'd say winning the ball in the air as well but McTominay didnt win a header that match
Maybe as the 'won possession' number was usually high for every player.
Not sure if UEFA still use this stat though.
Probably also from the time when Mctominay used his body to outmuscle the opposition player/blocking the player to win the ball back or win a foul. Those also count as won possession. Mctominay is very good on that aspect.
In a few years time I bet he’ll end up vice captain.
Maguire captain, McTominay vice.
People will eat their words with McTominay. Fletcher mk2.
Maguire captain, McTominay vice.
People will eat their words with McTominay. Fletcher mk2.
He will do well to surpass Fletcher. Fletcher is probably the most under rated player I’ve come across in my 50 years supporting United. If McTominay gets anywhere near that level then we have some player.
I agree with you on the expectations part. It should also be said though that he now plays ahead of Serbian International Matic and the £50m Fred (yes, I know, but still) on merit, based on his displays in spring (when he was our only good player) and preseason. His best games have been good enough for this level, increasing consistency is the big one.
Basically saying we should have bought Ndidi
McT worked hard and deserves some goodwill and time now. Let him grow into the role and lets judge him in December. He certainly has the right spirit and attitude
I suspect he might grow into a box to box role...would love another one in the team. We’ve been lucky over the years to have had two of the best in Robbo and Keane and whilst Scott is currently a long way off that standard, the way he’s improving month by month, you wouldn’t completely count it out.
There’s a player in there but almost more importantly, his mentality is rock solid which will take him a long way. Good luck to the lad anyway....and no, I’ve not been on the sauce yet....!
There’s a player in there but almost more importantly, his mentality is rock solid which will take him a long way. Good luck to the lad anyway....and no, I’ve not been on the sauce yet....!
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I respect Statman Dave for his stats, but I think he's really poor at reading the game on the pitch.
McTominay was caught out several times against Chelsea. In numerical terms, it was a decent match for a third midfielder in a three. But as a DM in a two spotting dangers in front of the defence, even I'd struggle to call it 'good' (and I'm a big fan of his).
It's easy to forget that this is a brand new role for him. He was a striker in his youth and has been moving back down the pitch ever since. He'll improve as the season goes on, but at the moment his understanding of the role leaves a lot to be desired.
It's important to note how much he's improved in such a short space of time since coming into the first team. If he's reaching his level now, he's already a useful player. If he keeps going on the current trajectory, there'll be far fewer caveats in the praise he gets on here very soon.
Very nice summation.
In that sense I hope Carrick is working very closely with him because his understanding of the game and where to be was amongst the very best I've ever seen.
Wolves 1:1 Man Utd
Another game where he's terrible in possession and decent defensively.
He should be starting, but that shows you how rubbish our midfield is.
He should be starting, but that shows you how rubbish our midfield is.
Poor today overall. Offered little going forward and missed some tackles. Passing not crisp enough.
Gave the ball away alot this evening.
Poor. Absolutely terrible today. One of his worst matches for us.
Limited footballer on and off the ball...
But that heart and attitude is worth it's weight in coal
But that heart and attitude is worth it's weight in coal
Bollocks at its finest.Limited footballer on and off the ball...
But that heart and attitude is worth it's weight in coal
Had a poor game though.
Had a bad game. Not as bad as Lingard mind
Just does not look his best next to Pogba in this system. Looks much better when he plays further up the pitch.
Offers next to nothin right now.
Offers next to nothin right now.
I'm beginning to think I'm terrible at judging football. Either that or this forum is mental. I thought he had a tidy game considering he's doing work for two. He's not expected to do much more than break up play, initiate counters and keep it tidy with the CBs.
Done his job today
I also thought he did his job very well. Really disciplined positional play in defensive third, always available for the pass and tidy distribution into Pogba after that.
Not the reason why we dropped 2 points
Poor tonight.
Done well in the first half but when we were under the kosh in the second he absolutely fell apart. The desire is there as is usually the work rate I just genuinely don't think he has the attributes to be a great player for us in that position.
He was generally very good for the last couple of months of last season and most of the preseason. However he's been quite poor for the last three matches (including our last preseason match against Milan). Hope he kicks back into form soon, but I'm worried that Ole will now bring Matic in instead.
He was mostly very good tonight, but when he tired after about 75 minutes a lot of errors started to creep in. This is why strength in depth is an issue and we needed to sign more midfield quality.
Thought he did well, like the rest of the team he panicked in the first 15-20 of the 2nd half but then settled. We won the midfield battle and are Wolves aren't mugs in CM.
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