On this day in 2017, Man United and then manager, Jose Mourinho, introduced Scott McTominay to the Premier League. Since then, he’s turned himself to an important key to their success.
Back in May, the once academy player impressed his way into Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad. He was heavily criticised for not being good enough for the Man United badge and was always expected to be moved on sooner or later.
McTominay had other plans, making his presence felt and missed in his spell after being handed his debut, where he came on a substitute in a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates. After this, his first start came against Crystal Palace in the same campaign on the final day. A convincing 2-0 victory over the Eagles was the start to something special.
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Not one United manager but two
If Scott was not so hot as the public perceived him not to be, why was it that world-class manager Jose gave him a first-team spot and successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, could not do without him in the side? Makes no sense why they would believe he is not good enough.
After Ole took over from the Portuguese (Jose), the 23-year-old became an important ingredient to Man United’s new formula. When missing for two months following his injury against Newcastle in December, it was evident he was needed by Solskjaer.
Ole on Scott on different occasions:
"Scott has never ever let us down and he never disappoints when he plays. So, it won’t be hard to see him play many, many games for Man United, because he has got such a great mentality.You can almost say he is undroppable at the moment. (Via: The Evening Standard)"
Yes, United’s 2019-20 season is nothing to write home about as being a successful one (depends on silverware and that UCL spot), but when he was in the mix with United’s January signings, the side looked a more complete unit. During his two-month absence, the Manchester club only won three times, lost three, and drew once.
Two of the losses came back-to-back. One against rivals, Liverpool. The other, an in-form Burnley side. The third and final loss was against another rival, Arsenal. Their most unrewarding spell over a short period this season.
This declares him as an important welding to the Old Trafford framework, yes.
A performance to remember
A display that was second to none and something Ole chose to build on was his showing against PSG in their amazing comeback in the Champions League last season. He was the central figure in their dramatic comeback.
Down by two goals after the first leg, a United side led by Romelu Lukaku at the time had no chances of overturning the result. But an amazing team performance plus some goof fortune and calls going their way, they overthrew the deficit and marched through to the next round, where they lost to Barcelona.
A goal not to forget
Ole owned Pep and Man City this Campaign, winning three of the four meetings between the city rivals. When the Reds of Manchester travelled to the Etihad, the Blues were hands down the favourites.
Well, Ole, Scott, and Anthony Martial had other plans. The inclusion of Bruno Fernandes was a major difference. It was a well-contested fixture with United showing an outstanding team performance from David de Gea to Martial.
The error by Ederson, a customary one for him. The striker by the midfielder, unlike him and out of this world. He aided in taking the Premier League double of neighbouring nemeses and completed the Red Devils’ fifth game unbeaten after losing after going three without a win.
Should Scott McTominay be first on the teamsheet when fit?