[MadMike]

Both him and Pogba were very sloppy in the first half yesterday and gave the ball away loads. Loose controls, bad distribution, lax marking. A luckier Chelsea would have punished us. I think it's glossed over by the 4-0.

He'll need to improve a fair bit imo. And I don't think he's a DM, box-to-box CM suits his dynamism better. He lacks in reading of the game and positional awareness to make DM.

Hopefully competition between him and Fred will push both to improve. He's young and he's shown many positive signs.

 

[Rozay]

Not sure how people don’t see his obvious quality.

He’s a leader on the pitch too. It’s Fletcher mk2.

Fletch wasn’t all that either, and even then, he was a far more talented footballer than Scott McTominay. I remember his debut against Basel I think. He was doing things on the ball, as a teenager, that I’ve never seen from Scott, even at youth level.

He doesn’t have ‘obvious quality’. Phil Foden has ‘obvious quality’. He’s a decent hardworking midfielder who can do a job for the team.

 

[haram]

Not his best game but he improved in the second half and will play better this season. Love the guy.

 

[Icemav]

Fletch wasn’t all that either, and even then, he was a far more talented footballer than Scott McTominay. I remember his debut against Basel I think. He was doing things on the ball, as a teenager, that I’ve never seen from Scott, even at youth level.

He doesn’t have ‘obvious quality’. Phil Foden has ‘obvious quality’. He’s a decent hardworking midfielder who can do a job for the team.

And round and round we go. Some think he has obvious quality and great potential. Others think he is very limited but works hard. Time and results will tell.

 

[haram]

Scott does have obvious quality. Foden just has more.

 

[FlawlessThaw]

To McTominay's credit, he is very strong mentally. I don't think he has the quality to make it at United but he seems to have the mental resolve to make the most of the skill that he has. Sometimes that can be enough.

 

[Rozay]

Scott does have obvious quality. Foden just has more.

That becomes a question of semantics then. To me, the gap in ‘obvious quality’ between Scott and Foden is huge to the point where their quality shouldn’t be described with similar adjectives. To me, if Scott is a young midfielder who has ‘obvious quality’, then I think the same description applies to more footballers than I would have originally thought. As far as young players go, Foden, Gomes, Sancho, Wilshere, Garner etc have obvious quality. Scott’s quality is no lore obvious than most young PL level midfielders. Tom Davies at Everton, for instance, isn’t a special talent to me, not in the Foden bracket, and isn’t less technically gifted than Scott to me. He’s just a decent young player.

 

[haram]

That becomes a question of semantics then. To me, the gap in ‘obvious quality’ between Scott and Foden is huge to the point where their quality shouldn’t be described with similar adjectives. To me, if Scott is a young midfielder who has ‘obvious quality’, then I think the same description applies to more footballers than I would have originally thought. As far as young players go, Foden, Gomes, Sancho, Wilshere, Garner etc have obvious quality. Scott’s quality is no lore obvious than most young PL level midfielders. Tom Davies at Everton, for instance, isn’t a special talent to me, not in the Foden bracket, and isn’t less technically gifted than Scott to me. He’s just a decent young player.

Scott’s understanding of the game and his use of his physicality is what makes up some of his obvious quality. It is beyond a lot of players in his age group. You are just talking about technique. He has obvious quality as a footballer period.

 

[haram]

It is one thing to be 6ft+ and strong, and another to use if effectively on a football pitch.

 

[R.N7]

 

[Rozay]

Scott’s understanding of the game and his use of his physicality is what makes up some of his obvious quality. It is beyond a lot of players in his age group. You are just talking about technique. He has obvious quality as a footballer period.

Scott is a Manchester United player and as a result has a lot of fans on here. In all reality, we’ve been watching football for years and seen many top midfielders. Let’s be honest, he’s not that special. And that’s okay too. But he isn’t a great midfield talent.

Just my opinion of course.

 

[Guapa]

This lad has what it takes and can easily play instead of Matic for me.

 

[westmeath]

To McTominay's credit, he is very strong mentally. I don't think he has the quality to make it at United but he seems to have the mental resolve to make the most of the skill that he has. Sometimes that can be enough.

I firmly believe he’s in the process of “making it” at United, whatever that means. Did a good job yesterday, you need somebody picking up scraps and doing simple things in the midfield. He’s still improving and is playing with more authority each game. Having a solid defense behind him will obviously help.

 

[haram]

Scott is a Manchester United player and as a result has a lot of fans on here. In all reality, we’ve been watching football for years and seen many top midfielders. Let’s be honest, he’s not that special. And that’s okay too. But he isn’t a great midfield talent.

Just my opinion of course.

No one claimed he was Paul Scholes.

 

[charlenefan]

Would love to know what he said in the huddle following the 3rd goal. Leader in the making?

 

[Rozay]

No one claimed he was Paul Scholes.

Well what exactly are we claiming he is then? I’ve read ‘first on the teamsheet’ amongst others. If he’s ‘no Paul Scholes’ and more of a Nicky Butt, for example, then the comparison is hyperbolic I think. We can, and need to do better. Just as we did with Nicky Butt. By playing Paul Scholes.

And for the record, just as you are ‘not saying he’s Paul Scholes’, I am not saying he’s Bebe either. He’s alright. I just think that reading this forum the last 6 months, you would think he’s A LOT better than that. He’s good enough to be here. But not so good as for us to call off the search in midfield. I don’t think he will ever be that kind of good, because he isn’t talented enough.

 

[haram]

Well what exactly are we claiming he is then? I’ve read ‘first on the teamsheet’ amongst others. If he’s ‘no Paul Scholes’ and more of a Nicky Butt, for example, then the comparison is hyperbolic I think. We can, and need to do better. Just as we did with Nicky Butt. By playing Paul Scholes.

And for the record, just as you are ‘not saying he’s Paul Scholes’, I am not saying he’s Bebe either. He’s alright. I just think that reading this forum the last 6 months, you would think he’s A LOT better than that. He’s good enough to be here. But not so good as for us to call off the search in midfield. I don’t think he will ever be that kind of good, because he isn’t talented enough.

No one said to call off a search for a midfielder. The entire fanbase were begging to sign one. As of now he is one of the first on the team sheet and is improving all the time.

 

[DoomSlayer]

Well what exactly are we claiming he is then? I’ve read ‘first on the teamsheet’ amongst others. If he’s ‘no Paul Scholes’ and more of a Nicky Butt, for example, then the comparison is hyperbolic I think. We can, and need to do better. Just as we did with Nicky Butt. By playing Paul Scholes.

And for the record, just as you are ‘not saying he’s Paul Scholes’, I am not saying he’s Bebe either. He’s alright. I just think that reading this forum the last 6 months, you would think he’s A LOT better than that. He’s good enough to be here. But not so good as for us to call off the search in midfield. I don’t think he will ever be that kind of good, because he isn’t talented enough.

I think McTominay is good enough for a top 4, top 3 battle but falls short especially when we compare him to the City midfielders, which is not something to be ashamed of after all, all of them are amazing.

If we are aiming to challenge in the next 1-2-3 seasons, McTominay can still be the perfect squad player and I don't think he would push for a move in such a case. He's a proper warrior and you can see he bleeds Man United, an incredibly positive and mature influence for his age as well, guiding the new and younger players into the main squad.

 

[Kag]

He hid for sixty minutes yesterday. It’s my biggest problem with him. If he’s to start regularly in this team then he needs to seek the ball and actually look to dictate the game. I’m not expecting Scholes, or even Carrick, but United midfielders do not hide behind the opposition forwards and pretend to want the ball.

It’s confidence, I hope. Because after we went a few up he began to get more of the ball and look like a real midfielder.

 

[Rozay]

I think McTominay is good enough for a top 4, top 3 battle but falls short especially when we compare him to the City midfielders, which is not something to be ashamed of after all, all of them are amazing.

If we are aiming to challenge in the next 1-2-3 seasons, McTominay can still be the perfect squad player and I don't think he would push for a move in such a case. He's a proper warrior and you can see he bleeds Man United, an incredibly positive and mature influence for his age as well, guiding the new and younger players into the main squad.

Yea, I think I’d agree with that. Although I’d change the number to a ‘top 6 battle’ at best in my opinion.

He walks out of Old Trafford today he lands no higher than mid-table I think. I agree with @haram that of the current midfield options, he should be in the team. But that doesn’t mean he’s good enough - the current midfield options are not up to par. Everyone except Pogba would be fairly routine to replace.

 

[Roboc7]

Scott’s understanding of the game and his use of his physicality is what makes up some of his obvious quality. It is beyond a lot of players in his age group. You are just talking about technique. He has obvious quality as a footballer period.

His understanding of the game is poor which is why he is often out of position and sometimes struggles to get involved in games.

His physicality and commitment is getting him by at the moment, he’s never going to be a very good passer but if he can improve his reading of the game and positioning it will make a big difference.

 

[Stobzilla]

His passing set off two of the counter attacks yesterday, His outlet ball to Rashford on the 2nd goal and then Pogba for the 4th goal.

He was poor in the first half, everyone bar Maguire, Lindelof and AWB were. Much improved in the 2nd though.

 

[Rozay]

His understanding of the game is poor which is why he is often out of position and sometimes struggles to get involved in games.

His physicality and commitment is getting him by at the moment, he’s never going to be a very good passer but if he can improve his reading of the game and positioning it will make a big difference.

Yea, I thought that was a bit of an odd attribute to assign to him too. He’s not some elegant interceptor, he’s a presser and closer. He’s not particularly known for positioning and reading of the game at all, it’s not his game. He’s there to engage the opposition head on.

 

[Roboc7]

Yea, I thought that was a bit of an odd attribute to assign to him too. He’s not some elegant interceptor, he’s a presser and closer. He’s not particularly known for positioning and reading of the game at all, it’s not his game. He’s there to engage the opposition head on.

Think preseason has elevated opinions a bit too high, midfield is a relatively new position for him so he has to learn and improve his positioning and reading of the game.

He’ll play a lot this season because there isn’t much choice. How he develops will determine whether he’s playing as often in the seasons that follow.

 

[Trophy Room]

He has enough ability. What’s most important is his mental strength. Very impressive from the youngster.

 

[Rozay]

Think preseason has elevated opinions a bit too high, midfield is a relatively new position for him so he has to learn and improve his positioning and reading of the game.

He’ll play a lot this season because there isn’t much choice. How he develops will determine whether he’s playing as often in the seasons that follow.

Indeed. Tbh, from what I’ve seen of him, I think he’s better suited to playing more offensively. He’s like a more mobile Fellaini in a way. I think he has a very good goal threat. He’s a lot better when the game is more open, where he can drive on the counter perhaps. He doesn’t have the footballing ability to play in front of the defence to me, he isn’t technical enough. I think he’s a ‘traditional British midfielder’ who is most effective in a stretched game. His passing over 40 yards is better than his passing over 10, his shooting from range is powerful and threatening, his intensity is high, he presses and gives everything but he can’t keep up with the David Silvas of this world in terms of midfield interplay.

 

[zenith]

I so wish we still had Herrera to start next to him. He'd have learnt so much from him and our central midfield would have had a different feel to it altogether.

 

[fps]

There are new partnerships all over the pitch. Maguire and Lindelof looked secure. AWB must have been wondering where his midfielder was a lot of the time - Pogba actually got across and did some decent work inside him on the right first half in terms of that. Martial and Rashford are linking up, really for the first time ever as an attacking duo.

But it's in midfield the new combinations are clearest. McTominay and Pogba did look a little like strangers, and Pereira wasn't connecting with them either. It's difficult to know how these players will gel when they the plan from midfield appears to be to launch forward and get at the opposition. Defensively in the centre they were fine, but the gaps left on the sides as a result of the shape were very concerning early on.

 

[romufc]

Why do we need a Phil Foden, Garner level of talent to play a DM role?

What McT does is simple, win ball pass ball. He rarely ever passes to someone who is under pressure either. He just needs to recycle the ball.

 

[Cassidy]

Why do we need a Phil Foden, Garner level of talent to play a DM role?

What McT does is simple, win ball pass ball. He rarely ever passes to someone who is under pressure either. He just needs to recycle the ball.

Positioning is key in protecting a back 4, its a lot harder than many realise, especially in an attacking setup

 

[romufc]

Positioning is key in protecting a back 4, its a lot harder than many realise, especially in an attacking setup

I think he can do the job, this season we are not in the Champions league, we have lets say games V City, Liverpool, Spurs where you think you'd need a out and out holding mid. I think the rest of the games we can do with McT and Pogba. For the big games, I hope we play a 4-5-1 with Pogba just infront of 2 holders.

 

[In Rainbows]

Why do we need a Phil Foden, Garner level of talent to play a DM role?

What McT does is simple, win ball pass ball. He rarely ever passes to someone who is under pressure either. He just needs to recycle the ball.

Because it helps United retain possession which is needed in a midfield battle. Also because we might be able to turn possession into an attack. McTominay can't bring the ball out so he's quick to pass it away. Your midfield should be one of its better players in being able to retain possession.

This is of course talking about United's needs at its peak. Right now he's rightfully starting, but he's not the ideal DM we want.

 

[SilentWitness]

The passion/determination he has gets him over the line in ways that people like Cleverley/Gibson when they were United couldn't who i'd argue he isn't much more talented than either in terms of pure ability (He's better but it's not by loads at a similar age). He's a good player to have in your squad but he shouldn't be starting in a midfield 2 as he doesn't offer enough protection for the back 4. He would excel in a midfield 3 where he is just required to pick off the ball from people and pass it without needing to be involved in a more dynamic manner. If he was alongside an engine like Fred I think he'd do well.

 

[romufc]

Because it helps United retain possession which is needed in a midfield battle. Also because we might be able to turn possession into an attack. McTominay can't bring the ball out so he's quick to pass it away. Your midfield should be one of its better players in being able to retain possession.

This is of course talking about United's needs at its peak. Right now he's rightfully starting, but he's not the ideal DM we want.

In an ideal world when we are fighting for titles no, but at this moment when we are lacking passion and identity I would have him all day. You can see from the goal celebrations, he is talking to everyone, and lets give him this season to see what he can do.

 

[Shinjch]

He didn't play overly well, but he offers so much more than the likes of Matic that it helps the team a lot. Hope he improves however, as at the moment I don't see him as the long term solution.

 

[westmeath]

Scott is easily as good as anything in the Liverpool midfield. Liverpool get away with it because their game plan involves getting the ball to the front three quickly. This appears to be what we are also trying to do. So Scott is perfectly fine as a solid defensive midfielder in a team with this approach.

 

[Rozay]

Why do we need a Phil Foden, Garner level of talent to play a DM role?

What McT does is simple, win ball pass ball. He rarely ever passes to someone who is under pressure either. He just needs to recycle the ball.

Tbh, if it were that simple, you draw any name out of a hat of hundreds probably.

Regardless of what your central midfield function is, you need to be comfortable on the ball. You often get it off the defence and start attacks, and just ‘re-cycling the ball’ isn’t as simple in a PL midfield where you are closed down and under pressure. You need the right first touch to ensure you can either pass first time or make a passing option with your second touch, all at speed to avoid the press. You need to be able to get yourself out of a jam when pressed too if you don’t have an immediate passing option. That may be dropping a shoulder, doing a shuffle etc to beat a man or two. And then you could also dare to do more than recycle - perhaps pass more expansively which adds another dimension to your team. Otherwise opponents just let you have it and stand on Pogba because if you can’t get it to him, you can’t get the ball into the forwards.

 

[haram]

His understanding of the game is poor which is why he is often out of position and sometimes struggles to get involved in games.

His physicality and commitment is getting him by at the moment, he’s never going to be a very good passer but if he can improve his reading of the game and positioning it will make a big difference.

Im sorry but you cannot come out of the academy and play in CM like he has if your understanding is poor. That’s bollocks.

 

[Rozay]

Scott is easily as good as anything in the Liverpool midfield. Liverpool get away with it because their game plan involves getting the ball to the front three quickly. This appears to be what we are also trying to do. So Scott is perfectly fine as a solid defensive midfielder in a team with this approach.

He really isn’t.

 

[haram]

Tbh, if it were that simple, you draw any name out of a hat of hundreds probably.

Regardless of what your central midfield function is, you need to be comfortable on the ball. You often get it off the defence and start attacks, and just ‘re-cycling the ball’ isn’t as simple in a PL midfield where you are closed down and under pressure. You need the right first touch to ensure you can either pass first time or make a passing option with your second touch, all at speed to avoid the press. You need to be able to get yourself out of a jam when pressed too if you don’t have an immediate passing option. That may be dropping a shoulder, doing a shuffle etc to beat a man or two. And then you could also dare to do more than recycle - perhaps pass more expansively which adds another dimension to your team. Otherwise opponents just let you have it and stand on Pogba because if you can’t get it to him, you can’t get the ball into the forwards.

Scott can do those things.