Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has given his backing to Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, insisting “he’s got everything” needed to be a top defensive midfielder.
While Old Trafford fans have been debating which of Donny van de Beek, Fred and Nemanja Matic should be given the nod as the anchor in the United midfield, Scholes (who wasn’t too bad a midfielder himself) instead singled out the Scotland international and made the case for McTominay instead.
McTominay celebrates his injury-time winner last night (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Appearing on a United podcast (Webby and O’Neill), Scholes thinks last night’s Hampden hero is the key to United restoring the balance they lack in midfield and challenging the likes of Liverpool and Man City.
“You didn’t mention McTominay, I think he’s the best one for that role out of the four of them, I’d definitely go for him.
“I think he’s got everything, he’s athletic, he can get around the pitch, he’s got great ability as well. He’s capable of sitting in that position.
“Ole doesn’t seem to be able to get the balance right in that team. Is he going to play that one with the rest around him, and have Pogba next to him who he probably doesn’t trust defensively? Or is he going to play two holding midfield players.
“That’s the difference between United and I think Liverpool and City – they are much more aggressive, more attack-minded.”
With Grant Hanley returning from suspension on Tuesday night against Faroes, it will be interesting to see whether Clarke opts to stick with McTominay in defence or push him forward into midfield.
The Man United star could quite comfortably play a similar role in Steve Clarke’s side, allowing the likes of John McGinn and Billy Gilmour to focus more on getting forward in support of the attacking players.
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