Scott McTominay was Manchester United’s saviour at the weekend.
Erik ten Hag’s side looked beaten when, with 87 minutes on the clock, McTominay was summoned from the bench against Brentford.
The Scot miraculously turned the game in United’s favour, scoring two goals in stoppage time in a power-packed cameo. A fan-favourite at the club, mainly due to his professionalism and attitude, McTominay hasn’t been given as much game-time as he would like in recent times.
Having only started two of his club’s eight Premier League games so far, McTominay has played just 184 minutes of Premier League football this season.
And amidst the tales of attitude problems with the likes of Jadon Sancho, speaking on House of Football, Alan Cawley says it’s ironic that McTominay isn’t given more minutes by his manager.
“I like McTominay, I always have,” said Cawley, the former League of Ireland midfielder.
“A good honest lad. Obviously Ten Hag doesn’t see him for whatever reason, as part of that midfield three or four or whatever formation he plays, but I think there is a role for him.”
“And I think that role is being that squad player.
“Coming on in the odd game, making that impact like he did at the weekend and playing in League cup games, FA Cup games, stuff like that, because the amount of games that they have, there is a role for him somewhere.
“He’s a good fella to have around the squad,” says Cawley, “and it’s almost ironic when you hear all these problems with players’ attitudes, yet here’s a lad who’s a really good lad, with a great attitude, yet Ten Hag doesn’t (rate him that highly).”
Cawley doesn’t see McTominay as a starter for Manchester United, but he does reckon the 26-year-old should be getting more minutes.
“Look, I don’t see him as a solution long-term or one of the players that, if you play him every week, we’re going to topple a Man City or Arsenal or get above them. I don’t think he’s that good.
“And Man United need top quality players if they’re ever going to get above City or Arsenal, but in terms of a role at the club, and a part of a squad, and you do need a squad now, I would have him absolutely, 100% as part of that sqaud.”
Manchester United did reject a £35 million bid from West Ham for McTominay during the summer, with the club apparently valuing their midfielder at more than £40 million.
“It was great to see him coming on. He’s had to bide his time, it’s been difficult for him. He probably felt as though he was on the way out and probably wanted out, just to play games but it goes to show, it’s a reflection on his professionalism that he could come on and make that impact.
Listen to the latest episode of House of Football with Eric Lalor, Alan Cawley and Chris O’Gara below.
