Erik ten Hag has a decision to make with Scott McTominay ahead of Man United vs Liverpool

21.08.2022 - 23:01 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

With the signing of Casemiro, some Manchester United fans are hoping it will signal the end of the regular 'McFred' partnership. United have been struggling in just about every area of the pitch and the midfield has been pinpointed as a key factor in their demise.

One of the main reasons for United’s downfall has been their inability to add reinforcements to their depleted engine room. In United’s last two fixtures we saw them become over-run, resulting in two losses, but with the imminent arrival of the Real Madrid star, things could finally be about to change.

Scott McTominay came through the academy and made his senior debut for the club in 2017 under Jose Mourinho, who even created an award for the midfielder, ‘manager’s player of the season’, at the Player of the Year awards. Since his debut season, the 25-year-old has made 122 appearances and remained a mainstay under each manager since the Portuguese.

Also read: Kroos' story about Casemiro shows he will raise the standards at United

He has bags of energy and his passion for the club is undisputed, leading him to become a manager's favourite. One of his main strengths is his athleticism and being able to carry the ball from deep. There are drawbacks to his game, however.

He is often paired with a midfield partner as he doesn’t have the defensive midfield awareness to operate as the sole number six for his team. His reading of the game and his ability to set the tempo and create chances could be improved.

The simple fact is that McTominay probably shouldn't be starting week in, week out for United and Casemiro gives Erik ten Hag another option to try with his Brazil teammate Fred.

The Scotland international is often deployed as a centre-back for his country,