Scott McTominay: Manchester United’s Unsung Hero
In a candid and off-the-record conversation during his tenure as the manager of Manchester United, Jose Mourinho openly expressed his strong interest in the young Scott McTominay. Despite McTominay’s limited senior football experience at the time, Mourinho recognized his potential and confidently declared:
“THIS KID HAS EVERYTHING THAT I WANT.”
The Resilient Journey Fast forward to today, McTominay’s journey at Old Trafford has been a tumultuous ride. Despite experiencing both highs and lows at the club, including making appearances and winning a trophy, McTominay faced the possibility of leaving during the summer transfer window. However, his unwavering determination and resolve became evident. As aptly described by Oliver Kay of The Athletic, “While McTominay was understandably intrigued by the idea of joining Bayern, few of the other options appealed to him. His inclination was to stay and fight for his place. In a time when numerous players are struggling to perform, Ten Hag must be appreciative of McTominay’s decision.”
The Turning Point
In the match against Brentford, McTominay’s impact was undeniable. Coming on as a substitute, he not only equalised but also netted the winner in a dramatic turn of events. His post-match comments to Sky Sports encapsulated his spirit:
“NEVER GIVE UP, MAN. YOU NEVER GIVE UP. NO MATTER THE SITUATION IN LIFE YOU, NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER THROW THE TOWEL IN.”
While many players have crumbled under the immense pressure of donning the Manchester United jersey, McTominay has remained steadfast. His resilience and determination have been acknowledged by multiple managers, from Mourinho to Solskjaer and even Rangnick. Kay highlights this by stating, “So many players with big reputations have appeared to buckle under the pressure of representing the club over the past decade. McTominay isn’t one of them.”
The Ten Hag Dilemma
Erik ten Hag’s tenure has brought a new set of challenges for McTominay. While the Dutch manager has often praised him, there’s a sense that McTominay’s qualities might not align with Ten Hag’s vision for the team. Yet, as Kay points out, “But at a time when so much is missing from this Manchester United, in midfield in particular, McTominay’s qualities are far harder to overlook.”
Scotland’s Star Performer
On the international front, McTominay has been a beacon for Scotland. His contributions in the European Championship qualifying campaign have been significant, making him one of Steve Clarke’s most trusted players. Kay quotes Clarke:
“IT’S GOOD FOR SCOTT, IF ANYONE NEEDED REMINDING, JUST TO SHOW HE’S PRETTY DECENT. NOT THAT WE NEED REMINDING.”
McTominay’s journey at Manchester United is a testament to his unwavering spirit and dedication. In a time where consistency is rare, he stands out as a beacon of hope. As Ten Hag himself said, “Every minute he will fight for the match. Those players you need in the squad.”