If he keeps improving at a similar rate and manages to keep fit, he could be a first team fixture for years to come. The boy is very dedicated and talented to boot and we need more players like him.
McTominay - what’s his potential?
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik and Imran hold a long overdue conversation about United's awful league form with 1 win in 7. They discuss a disappointing draw at Bournemouth, a not so disappointing draw against Liverpool and a crushing defeat at Chelsea - Is time nearly over for Erik Ten Hag?
Then in a special second half of the pod, Nik welcomes Natalie ( https://twitter.com/natalie_17) to discuss the fortunes of Manchester United Women as they booked a place in the FA Cup Final after a historic first ever win vs. Chelsea.
He will surpass Fletcher’s level I think
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Can't agree with you. Butt was a hard-working terrier in midfield with limited attacking skills. He would score 2-3 goals each season and his main job on the pitch was to win the ball.I think Mctominay is Butt level. Butt appeared and performed at a World Class level when he played alongside Scholes, Giggs, Beckham and Keane. With our current mediocre midfield, Mctominay appears world class when he isn't. He's no doubt a good player to have but I don't think he features in the first team of a championship winning side. Yes, yes... I know Fergie won with Cleverley, Anderson and Gibson in midfield but that's a whole different story.
McTominay isn't as good defensively as Butt was, but he realistically could grab close to 10 goals on a good season, he is a better passer of the ball, his shooting is much better, and he is more of a leader. And his physical presence makes him really useful in both boxes at set-pieces.
So I think McTominay will go on to become a very successful footballer at United.
MikeKing
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If you scale down attributes like technical finesse, power-shot and passing-skills from Gerrard and tack on mass, height and certain defensive attributes you'll have two pretty similar players. He has a certain drive with the ball, but mostly just the way they play as CM's.. I think they perform their tasks in quite a similar, effective manner imo. Box-box but keeps it ticking in midfield with good pace on their short passes. Like style-wise.
Baneofthegame
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I hope he can reach prime Fletcher levels at least.
Shimo
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For someone who was only getting into the side because Mourinho was trying to prove a point with Pogba supposedly or just because he was tall, to where he is now, he has come on leaps and bounds. He has the mentality to cut it at the highest levels, getting better both on the defensive and attacking side and has been contributing with goals. Can't see how people don't think he doesn't anything but, a potentially high ceiling on the back of his progress and performances this season. Time will tell.
Stacks
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True but I am responding to those who state he WILL be an elite level midfielder no doubt. The amount of players who developed late to become elite is actually minimal. Typically you can see it early so to say he will deffo be elite means they are seeing the elite talent now and it's not there. Pogba at 21 had elite talent and maybe Thiago and they were streets ahead IMO.Not every elite level midfielder was refined by that age. You gave Kante as example, was he elite level or refined player at that age? Fabinho is one more elite level midfielder and at 22 I don't even think he was playing regularly as a DM/CM. He was right back.
No one knows how the player improves and develop, I don't understand why people keep repeating "player can't be better than this, player can't be worst than that".
Stacks
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Think people are understating Fletch massively. Fletch was a vital player in a title winning side who was one of the BEST in Europe hence our CL final appearances. Those are some huge boots to fill. The level we aspire to get to (challenging for leagues and CL) Fletcher was there. If McTom surpassed Fletch then he may grow too good for United under Ole as I doubt we'll ever be at that level. So in your trajectory for him, we may as well just be a stepping stone until he gets his move to Chelsea or CityHe will surpass Fletcher’s level I think
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I don’t think development is linear. Some players perform very well at young age that you would think they will be dominating midfielder at their prime, in most cases it won’t be the case.True but I am responding to those who state he WILL be an elite level midfielder no doubt. The amount of players who developed late to become elite is actually minimal. Typically you can see it early so to say he will deffo be elite means they are seeing the elite talent now and it's not there. Pogba at 21 had elite talent and maybe Thiago and they were streets ahead IMO.
just take Liverpool as example, none of Salah, Firmino, Mane, Fabinho, VVD, Robertson were considered as world beaters.
I’m not saying McTominay will be elite player, i don’t know what kind of player he will be or what level he will reach. Just going by how much he has improved since last season it’s very promising.
BluesJr
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He has the drive and desire needed. People always overlook those two attributes when assessing a player. Talent means nothing without work.
Stacks
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As another player said you can only call them world beaters when they play at world level to prove it.I don’t think development is linear. Some players perform very well at young age that you would think they will be dominating midfielder at their prime, in most cases it won’t be the case.
just take Liverpool as example, none of Salah, Firmino, Mane, Fabinho, VVD, Robertson were considered as world beaters.
I’m not saying McTominay will be elite player, i don’t know what kind of player he will be or what level he will reach. Just going by how much he has improved since last season it’s very promising.
VP89
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Journalist Michael Cox made a good point about McTominay on a podcast a couple weeks ago that I think is worth sharing. Whenever a club is performing poorly, it's normally the energetic players with a high work rate that will be highlighted as the best players and silver linings of the first XI. Herrera often was with us, Ramires was when Chelsea were a bit shite, and he gave other examples which I've forgotten.
That's not to say McTominay isn't a very good player, and he's shown he can add value to us for years to come. But, when we bolster our team next summer we may not look at his output as anything outstanding quite like we have at present.
That's not to say McTominay isn't a very good player, and he's shown he can add value to us for years to come. But, when we bolster our team next summer we may not look at his output as anything outstanding quite like we have at present.
Untd55
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His technical ability is not very high. His passing is lacking and his on-the-ball ability is limited. I think he is a mid-table standard player, which is what the team is performing like at the moment.
I do not believe he will improve these. He is nowhere near good enough, and never will be, for a first-teamer in a title-challenging team. I feel mid-table is about his level. His ceiling is very low when considering past Manchester United midfielders since he will not improve much on his technical ability, which is what separates the best players from the average ones.
I can think of quite a few players that can do the same, or a better job, than McTominay, which really demonstrates that he is pretty average in Premier League terms. Neves, Longstaff, and Rice and others can all do that job.
People say he will be like Fletcher, but you have to remember he was always behind technically superior midfielders, such as Carrick, Scholes and Hargreaves. Fletcher only became first-team when Scholes retired and Hargreaves became a permanent crock.
I do not believe he will improve these. He is nowhere near good enough, and never will be, for a first-teamer in a title-challenging team. I feel mid-table is about his level. His ceiling is very low when considering past Manchester United midfielders since he will not improve much on his technical ability, which is what separates the best players from the average ones.
I can think of quite a few players that can do the same, or a better job, than McTominay, which really demonstrates that he is pretty average in Premier League terms. Neves, Longstaff, and Rice and others can all do that job.
People say he will be like Fletcher, but you have to remember he was always behind technically superior midfielders, such as Carrick, Scholes and Hargreaves. Fletcher only became first-team when Scholes retired and Hargreaves became a permanent crock.
simplyared
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Time for a bump! Fantastic performance from him today. A true warrior!
Judas
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Easily one of his best games in a Utd shirt, played like he was on something.
P-Nut
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Even aside from his 2 goals today he was a giant on the pitch
bsCallout
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Today was a great game for him to demonstrate he is more than just a nuisance.
He is a talented player and I love having him in our squad.
He is a talented player and I love having him in our squad.
Icemav
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great finishing. great performance.
Dante
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He's scored 8 league goals from open play since the start of the 2018/19 season - in 3400 minutes.
Pogba has also scored 8 league goals from open play since the start of the 2018/19 season - but in 4860 minutes.
Obviously, Pogba is a lot more creative (McTominay has 28 key passes to Pogba's 91). But I think McTominay more than makes up for it in defensive contribution.
He's been our best midfielder for about two and a half seasons now. Better than Herrera before him and Fred alongside him now, imo.
Pogba has also scored 8 league goals from open play since the start of the 2018/19 season - but in 4860 minutes.
Obviously, Pogba is a lot more creative (McTominay has 28 key passes to Pogba's 91). But I think McTominay more than makes up for it in defensive contribution.
He's been our best midfielder for about two and a half seasons now. Better than Herrera before him and Fred alongside him now, imo.
davidmichael
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I think if we got a pure out and out defensive midfielder to simply sit in front of the defence and shield it we’d see a lot more from McTominay as I see him as a box to box with ball winning ability but also a presence at the other end.
I totally agree, I see him as a box to box too, I think a 433 would suit him best,not legislating for a change of system but playing him on the right of a three with Bruno left and a ball playing anchor man would bring out his bestI think if we got a pure out and out defensive midfielder to simply sit in front of the defence and shield it we’d see a lot more from McTominay as I see him as a box to box with ball winning ability but also a presence at the other end.
Scholsey2004
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Fletcher level IMO.
He does well with High energy, pressing, counter-attacking games and hence his best performances have been Mancity last year and yesterday. He does not do so well when the opposition are sitting back not providing much space due to his lack of technical ability. He will be a reliable backup player for many years in the Fletcher mold.
croadyman
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That is a very good summary of what he offers to this team and which kind of opposition best suits his gameHe does well with High energy, pressing, counter-attacking games and hence his best performances have been Mancity last year and yesterday. He does not do so well when the opposition are sitting back not providing much space due to his lack of technical ability. He will be a reliable backup player for many years in the Fletcher mold.
You have to look at his abilities, imo already better than Fletcher at this age.
Physically imposing at 1.93m, 88 kg.
Physically explosive, have a good top speed and acceleration for his size.
Dribbling ability, he is not a flair player, but he sure does have that explosive style to beat his man.
Strong and rarely lose against other players, physically.
All this is at his peak, and this is his main strengths.
Passing is very direct and simple, can deliver occasional dangerous through pass.
Can be deployed at DM, has a good understanding about defensive roles.
Got great aerial ability, this can be improved with more training.
But that all doesn't matter to me, for me his mental ability is up there with the best, and that will only take him further from where he is now.
So for me, McT will be an important player for us in the next decade and for sure a proper player befitting of calling him a Manchester United player.
Physically imposing at 1.93m, 88 kg.
Physically explosive, have a good top speed and acceleration for his size.
Dribbling ability, he is not a flair player, but he sure does have that explosive style to beat his man.
Strong and rarely lose against other players, physically.
All this is at his peak, and this is his main strengths.
Passing is very direct and simple, can deliver occasional dangerous through pass.
Can be deployed at DM, has a good understanding about defensive roles.
Got great aerial ability, this can be improved with more training.
But that all doesn't matter to me, for me his mental ability is up there with the best, and that will only take him further from where he is now.
So for me, McT will be an important player for us in the next decade and for sure a proper player befitting of calling him a Manchester United player.
kouroux
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I'm torn to form an opinion on him, I have a pretty good idea of the kinda player Fred is for instance and his pros/cons. McT seems like he got more in his locker, a very nice surprise.
Eriku
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What?! Fletcher featured pretty regularly from the mid-00s onward, and by 2008-09 he was looking every bit a first XI player for us. That was the season Hargreaves joined us, and Scholes retired the first time two years later, so not sure how you concocted that narrative. Were you even watching us at that time?His technical ability is not very high. His passing is lacking and his on-the-ball ability is limited. I think he is a mid-table standard player, which is what the team is performing like at the moment.
I do not believe he will improve these. He is nowhere near good enough, and never will be, for a first-teamer in a title-challenging team. I feel mid-table is about his level. His ceiling is very low when considering past Manchester United midfielders since he will not improve much on his technical ability, which is what separates the best players from the average ones.
I can think of quite a few players that can do the same, or a better job, than McTominay, which really demonstrates that he is pretty average in Premier League terms. Neves, Longstaff, and Rice and others can all do that job.
People say he will be like Fletcher, but you have to remember he was always behind technically superior midfielders, such as Carrick, Scholes and Hargreaves. Fletcher only became first-team when Scholes retired and Hargreaves became a permanent crock.
LDUred
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First of all, we have to analyze the players when they were at the same age.Fletcher level IMO.
He's got all of the attributes Fletcher had at that age, and a few more besides.
For one he has that physicality to bully other players. While nowhere near the technical level of a Scholes, he is still slightly better in possession than Fletcher was. He doesn't dilly-dally, and while he needs a touch, it's not at the pedantic levels of a young Fletch.
He's got more of a goal threat and he looks like he's only going to get better in that department. The way he took his second goal today was very classy indeed. I've never seen Fletcher strike the ball with the same ferocity (and accuracy) that McTom has.
While he has a similar role in the team, he's not limited in the way that Fletcher was. You can see him imposing himself on the opposition as an attacking threat, not just as someone to contain them.
I don't think we are talking world class here or anything, but he's clearly a stronger prospect than Fletcher was at the same age.
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No need to overhype him. He's a very, very good squad player, who can turn into a vital player in certain games. The fact that he's also an academy graduate means he's likely to always be a great servant even if he doesn't play every game. It would be amazing if he turned into an indispensable first teamer, but for me he doesn't need to be in order to be a big contributor for us.
dogwithabone
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Will be some player if he does.I hope he can reach prime Fletcher levels at least.
Kaos
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This is why I really think we should prioritise a proper DM in the market. Not only will we protect our perpetually suspect back 4, but we can also let McSauce be the box to box midfielder he’s clearly better off being, instead of trying to mould him into a DM.
Zoo
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He could be our Leon Goretzka.
Bobski
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I really hope he continues to use that ability to drive with the ball through midfield. Such a valuable skill, lifts the tempo, causes defensive chaos, and is a key reason why we waited so long on Anderson, and why Giggs was brilliant at even 38 in cm.
dal
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It’s very very strange what a bit of confidence can do to a players and overall team play.
What I noticed yesterday was when he scored he relaxed a lot more and it seemed his “training game” talent was shining through.
Seemed as though he was clear of thought and doing what he should do rather than what he normally does which might be just releasing it quickly and having a bit of anxiety in his play.
He needs to do this consistently still I think. The whole team needs to play with more confidence but winning games helps with this. This team would come on leaps and bounds if we signed a technical player like Jack Grealish, another winner.
What I noticed yesterday was when he scored he relaxed a lot more and it seemed his “training game” talent was shining through.
Seemed as though he was clear of thought and doing what he should do rather than what he normally does which might be just releasing it quickly and having a bit of anxiety in his play.
He needs to do this consistently still I think. The whole team needs to play with more confidence but winning games helps with this. This team would come on leaps and bounds if we signed a technical player like Jack Grealish, another winner.
pacifictheme
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There's about ten years between Cantona and berbatov, who did you love in the interim?He's my favourite player well before that super goal against city.
Loved Cantona, then Berbatov, Ronaldo, Zlatan, now him... technically good, strong and wears the jersey with pride.
I see a great future for him.
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Big enough to earn him a nickname like McDominate
Nickelodeon
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He should shoot more. Almost all his goals have been really clean strikes.
Devil81
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I was discussing this with my dad last night, letting Mctominay off the leash is what's best for his career, if you suppress that urge to get about the field then you are taking half of his ability away.
He's a box to box player who has an eye for goal as well, he could be the complete midfielder with development but making him hold is killing his career.
He's a box to box player who has an eye for goal as well, he could be the complete midfielder with development but making him hold is killing his career.
JakeC
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We're looking at his potential. Games like this are his potential, he dominates opponents, makes forward runs and progressive passes and can score goals. It's all about how consistent he can become.