The Regret of Letting Scott McTominay Go
Scott McTominay is the perfect man to solve Manchester United’s current midfield dilemma—had they not sold him last summer. Under Ruben Amorim, United’s midfield lacks the blend of physicality, aggression, and versatility that McTominay epitomized. Apart from Bruno Fernandes, none of Amorim’s current midfielders can offer a significant attacking threat while also providing robust defensive contributions. When McTominay left for Napoli for £30 million, the decision divided the fanbase. While some felt he was not up to the standards required at Old Trafford, others vehemently argued that his unique attributes were precisely what the squad needed. With the benefit of hindsight, the latter group of fans appears to have been vindicated.
McTominay’s Rise at Napoli
At Napoli, McTominay has not only adapted but thrived, quickly becoming a fan favorite. The Partenopei sit second in Serie A, just one point behind leaders Inter Milan, and McTominay’s performances have been a key factor in their success. In 23 matches, he has scored six goals and provided three assists, showcasing his well-rounded capabilities. His ability to drive through the midfield is one of his standout traits. While Amorim’s midfielders tend to be technically sound but less inclined to make high-intensity runs, McTominay excels in this aspect. Whether in deeper or more advanced positions, he can link the defense and attack effectively, a skill that United sorely misses. A player with his dynamic profile could bring much-needed fluidity to Amorim’s structured midfield.
Dominating Middle-Field Duels
Part of McTominay’s effectiveness at Napoli lies in his dominance during one-on-one duels, both defensively and offensively. He provides a secure platform for his team to build from, able to receive and shield the ball under intense pressure. This physicality allows him to hold possession and find angles to release the ball to teammates, creating opportunities in the process. United’s midfield, on the other hand, often struggles under pressure, leading to turnovers and disrupted attacks. A player like McTominay, who can attract multiple defenders and create space, would be invaluable for the Red Devils. His presence could help United create overloads in the attacking phase and exploit gaps in the opposition’s defense, something they have failed to do consistently this season.
An Underrated Goalscoring Threat
Despite his primary role as a box-to-box midfielder, McTominay has developed into an underrated goalscorer. His size and physical frame make him a threat from set pieces, but his movement and timing of runs from deeper positions are equally effective. He often makes late, powerful runs into the box, creating scoring opportunities with his accuracy and power. These late runs and his finishing ability have made him a fan favorite at Napoli, contributing significantly to the team’s goal tally. In contrast, United’s deeper midfield players rarely offer a goalscoring threat, leaving the scoring burden largely on the likes of Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes. McTominay’s presence could have provided United with a more balanced and potent midfield, capable of scoring from various positions.
Bringing Chaos to Structured Play
Manchester United’s current playing style is highly structured, which can sometimes lead to predictable and static performances. A player like McTominay, who can inject chaos and unpredictability into the game, would be a welcome addition. His ability to drive forward with the ball and break through defensive lines adds a dynamic element that can unsettle opponents. United’s midfield often lacks the physicality to dominate duels and control possession, which has been a recurring issue this season. McTominay’s strength and conditioning allow him to perform effectively in both defensive and attacking phases, something that United’s current midfielders struggle to achieve. His presence would have given Amorim’s team a player who can transition seamlessly between these roles, enhancing their overall performance.
Tactical Value and Versatility
Tactically, McTominay’s versatility is another asset that United could have benefited from. Whether playing as one of the two deeper midfielders or in a more advanced role, he can adapt to the needs of the game. This adaptability is crucial in modern football, where teams need players who can switch roles and impact the game in multiple ways. United’s current midfield lacks this level of versatility, often leaving them short-handed in critical moments. McTominay’s ability to create space, hold up play, and contribute to the attack would have provided Amorim with a valuable tactical option. His physical and technical attributes make him an all-around midfielder who can influence the game from various positions.
Conclusion
The decision to allow Scott McTominay to leave Manchester United last summer is increasingly being seen as a misstep. While the financial aspect of the transfer was beneficial, the club now appears to be missing a player who could have filled a critical gap in their midfield. McTominay’s power, physicality, and attacking threat are qualities that United desperately need. As the season progresses, the absence of a player with his profile becomes more evident. If United had retained McTominay, they would have had a versatile, dynamic, and physical presence in the midfield, capable of making a significant impact in both defensive and attacking situations. His success at Napoli only underscores what United might have gained by keeping him.
