Should Manchester United Think Twice Before Letting Scott McTominay Go?
Scott McTominay’s future at Manchester United has been a hot topic this summer. With just one year left on his contract, the Scottish midfielder has been linked to several clubs, both in the Premier League and abroad, including Galatasaray, Napoli, and Fulham.
Fulham’s recent signing of Sander Berge—who was also rumored to be on United’s radar—appears to have cooled their interest in McTominay, especially with the Craven Cottage club unwilling to meet United’s reported £30 million asking price. However, Italian media still connects McTominay with a move to Napoli, with the club’s new manager, Antonio Conte, said to be a fan of the midfielder.
Meanwhile, United are pursuing a deal for Manuel Ugarte, with the Paris Saint-Germain ball-winner being their top target for bolstering the defensive midfield. Initially, it was thought that selling McTominay would be necessary to fund the move for Ugarte due to Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules. However, The Guardian reports that this may not be the case.
Manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly a big believer in McTominay and is hesitant to part with him, though the club remains open to offers for the 27-year-old. But if McTominay does leave before the transfer window closes, what will United be losing?
Goal Scoring
McTominay was United’s third-highest scorer last season with 10 goals across all competitions, only behind Rasmus Hojlund (16) and Bruno Fernandes (15). His goal-scoring stats were impressive, ranking in the 96th percentile among Premier League midfielders for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes (0.33). His expected goals per 90 (0.27) and total shots per 90 (2.08) were also among the best in the league. These numbers prove that McTominay’s career-best scoring form last season was no fluke; he consistently created and finished scoring opportunities.
Aerial Dominance
Standing at 6ft 4ins, McTominay is the tallest player in the United squad, a feature that significantly benefits both their attack and defense. Last season, four of his seven Premier League goals came from headers, and he averaged 1.7 successful aerial duels per 90 minutes, ranking in the 90th percentile among Premier League midfielders. His height and aerial ability make him a crucial asset, especially in a midfield where other players, like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, don’t have the same physical presence.
Versatility
McTominay’s ability to play in multiple roles has made him a valuable asset for Ten Hag’s squad. Initially breaking into the United first team as a deep-lying midfielder, McTominay has since proven his ability to play in advanced positions, scoring goals from midfield. He can also operate as a box-to-box midfielder due to his stamina and athleticism. While he may not be the most creative passer, his versatility and reliability in high-stakes games make him a key figure for United.
Value for Money
In a time when United are grappling with the financial burden of high wages handed out to underperforming players, McTominay stands out as a rare example of value for money. Earning £60,000 per week, his salary is modest compared to some of his teammates, yet his contribution on the field is substantial.
Big Moment Player
McTominay’s knack for delivering in crucial moments is one of his most valuable traits. Last season, four of his seven Premier League goals came off the bench, including two last-minute strikes against Brentford to secure a 2-1 victory. Over his United career, McTominay has scored 12 match-winning goals, often stepping up in the biggest games, such as last season’s 2-1 win over Chelsea and the FA Cup quarter-final thriller against Liverpool.
When it comes to big moments, Scott McTominay consistently rises to the occasion. United may want to think carefully before letting such a player go.
