Manchester United's recent 2-1 victory over Brentford in the Premier League was marked by Scott McTominay's injury-time brace, a performance that has reignited discussions about his role under the management of Erik ten Hag. Peter Schmeichel, a Manchester United legend and former captain, has voiced his concerns over McTominay's diminished role, especially in light of his recent standout performance.
Schmeichel, who led Manchester United to Champions League victory in 1999, expressed his bewilderment at Ten Hag's approach towards McTominay. The 26-year-old midfielder, who has been with Manchester United since his academy days, was reportedly close to transferring to Premier League rivals West Ham during the summer. However, the move fell through as Manchester United did not receive an offer they deemed suitable.
Despite his undeniable talent and commitment to the club, McTominay has struggled to secure a consistent place in the first team since his debut under Jose Mourinho. His position in the team has become even more precarious under Ten Hag's management. Yet, his recent performance, which included two crucial late goals, not only secured a win for Manchester United but may also have played a part in preserving Ten Hag's position as head coach.
Schmeichel, in a recent interview, expressed his confusion over the situation. "He's got the ability to do that. I don't understand what coaches are doing. Scott McTominay was up for sale all summer, and I don't understand that," he said. Schmeichel went on to praise McTominay's versatility and ability to change the course of a game, questioning some of Ten Hag's decisions regarding player acquisitions and placements.
Following the victory over Brentford, Ten Hag acknowledged McTominay's contributions and lauded his passion for the club. "You know with Scott you get drive and energy on the pitch. He can make a goal, he can arrive, and his willingness is very strong. His feeling for this club is very strong, he plays with all his heart. He will always defend the colours of this club," Ten Hag remarked.
However, Ten Hag's praise was juxtaposed with his earlier willingness to sell McTominay, a decision that left Schmeichel perplexed. Ten Hag did emphasize McTominay's value to the team, both in terms of his sporting contributions and his economic worth. "Every player has a price, but he has a big value, sporting and also economic. I want to have a player like Scott McTominay in the squad. He is Manchester United in every faith," Ten Hag added.
Manchester United's recent performances have been a mixed bag. They suffered a 3-2 loss against Galatasaray in the Champions League, with centre-back Raphael Varane facing criticism for his role in the defeat. Manchester United legend Paul Scholes commented on Varane's performance, suggesting that the Frenchman might be past his prime.
Currently, Manchester United sits 10th in the 2023-24 Premier League table, with four wins and four losses. Their Champions League journey has also been rocky, with the team at the bottom of their group after two losses. The team will be looking to bounce back after the international break with an away league fixture against Sheffield United on October 22.
