Where Should Scott McTominay Play?

Scott McTominay, the Scottish midfielder, has emerged as a key figure in both the Manchester United and the Scottish national team setups. His journey from being perceived as a solid, hardworking midfielder to a player capable of scoring crucial goals has reshaped the way we view his role on the pitch. We’ll give you the transformation of Scott McTominay, analyzing his playing style, strengths, and how he has become an indispensable asset to his teams. 

Scott McTominay: A Heroic Leader in Midfield 

Scott McTominay is often described as a tireless battling midfielder who possesses the ability to crush the bones of his opponents. His impact on the pitch extends far beyond his physicality, making him a true leader for both Manchester United and the Scottish national team. 

Goal-Scoring Prowess: 
One of McTominay's standout qualities is his ability to score crucial goals. In the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, he found the back of the net seven times, a remarkable feat that places him among Europe's top goal-scoring midfielders. Only players like Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Rasmus Hland managed to score more goals during that campaign. 

Mourinho's Praise: 
Scott McTominay's character and mentality have earned him recognition from top managers. Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho once described him as a player with "special character," highlighting his humility, aggression, and bravery. These qualities make McTominay a valuable asset, especially during challenging moments. 

Image: Getty Images

Analyzing McTominay's Playing Style

To better understand McTominay's evolution, it's crucial to dissect his playing style and strengths on the field. 

Carrying the Ball: 
McTominay excels at carrying the ball forward, making him an effective player in transitional phases of the game. While he may not be known for his intricate passing, his ability to drive the ball up the pitch and create space for his teammates is a valuable asset. 

Box-Crashing Skills: 
One of McTominay's trademark traits is his knack for arriving in the box at the right time. He consistently positions himself to score high-value chances, making him a genuine threat inside the opponent's penalty area. 

Progressive Passing: 
While not known for his progressive passing, McTominay has demonstrated an ability to make forward passes, particularly in the final third. This skill complements his box-crashing role, as he can contribute to attacking movements when necessary. 

Optimizing McTominay's Role at Manchester United

Given McTominay's unique skill set, it is essential for Manchester United to position him effectively on the pitch. Eric Ten Hag's approach to deploying him could potentially maximize his impact. 

 Deep-Lying Playmaker Role: 
Shifting McTominay into a deep-lying playmaker role, alongside a player like Christian Eriksen, can allow him to receive the ball from the backline and initiate attacks. This setup frees up Bruno Fernandes to play in a more advanced position, optimizing the team's attacking potential. 

Front Four Formation: 
An alternative approach is to employ a formation that allows McTominay to push higher up the pitch, almost as a second striker. This setup can exploit his ability to crash the box and score crucial goals while maintaining the team's tactical balance. 

Image: Reuters

  McTominay's Importance to Manchester United

Statistics reveal McTominay's significance to Manchester United. With him in the lineup, the team's win percentage increases significantly, underscoring his importance in critical matches. While the impact may not be as pronounced in all scenarios, it is clear that McTominay contributes significantly to the team's success. 

Scott McTominay's evolution from a battling midfielder to a box-crashing hero has reshaped the way we perceive his role on the pitch. His unique combination of physicality, mentality, and goal-scoring ability makes him an invaluable asset for both Manchester United and the Scottish national team. Understanding his strengths and optimizing his positioning can further enhance his impact, ensuring that McTominay continues to be a key figure in the world of football.