A growing number of Manchester United fans are showing their appreciation for Scott McTominay’s efforts under new boss Erik ten Hag.
Many understandably expected him to be chopped when Casemiro came into the club after being branded not up to scratch following an underwhelming few seasons. Instead, it has been Fred who has been moved to the side, something not many expected when he dinked one over Alisson in United’s 4-0 pre-season thrashing of Liverpool.
McTominay has started five of United’s six league games and he can take his benching against Real Sociedad in the Europa League as a compliment given Ten Hag mostly fielded a second team.
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His form has been consistent enough to keep £60m Casemiro, who still needs time to find his feet in English football, out of the side. As a result, he is expected to start Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Scores of United fans are happy with this, given his previous experience in the ferocious clash and the dogged determination he’s shown in recent matches. The Reds have won all four games he has played the full 90 minutes in, providing the anchor for Christian Eriksen to express himself.
This has not gone unnoticed by supporters. United confirmed on Monday that McTominay would miss Scotland’s clash with Ukraine on Tuesday due to a yellow card suspension. Many fans were relieved to learn that his absence was not injury-induced after putting in two impressive displays in his country’s last two outings.
A number of fans on Twitter still expressed their wish for McTominay to exit the club but many hit back and defended the 25-year-old. “Give him the credit he deserves,” one said while another excitedly wrote in block caps: “Bring him to the derby this Sunday.”
It paints a picture of how far the midfielder has come under Ten Hag. In March, McTominay was given a season rating of 5.4 by supporters up to that point in a Manchester Evening News poll.
It would have been lower by the end of the season but some may argue he is now within the top five performers so far this time around. McTominay has shown fearlessness and perhaps the competition has forced him to up his game - either way he is clearly winning some supporters back around.
The real test comes with time, though, and his long-term place in Ten Hag’s plans depend on consistency. Any drop off and five-time Champions League winner Casemiro will be there to gobble up his starting spot.
But for now, briefly, the Scot has earned the right to bask in the appreciation of fans, who are acknowledging that he has given himself an unexpected lifeline going forward.
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