Scott McTominay is a bone of contention at Manchester United.
He can be a valuable asset to Erik ten Hag - a statement you can take a few different ways. He valuable in terms of making up numbers and adding good depth, but he similarly probably holds monetary value if United are to look to cash in come the summer.
With Financial Fair Play regulations starting to stretch United, players will have to be moved on in the summer to balance the books. They are a club notoriously bad at selling players for profit and moving academy products on for any substantial fees, but McTominay could certainly be moved on for some decent money.
One question in particular has to be raised: are the qualities that will give him this decent value enough for United to feel McTominay can't be sold?
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Throughout the club's history, particularly under Sir Alex Ferguson, having players content to play on a more rotational basis while maintaining harmony have been important. A lack of this in any sufficient quantity has been a failing of United's in recent years.
McTominay has bucked this trend somewhat. Despite not always featuring, especially under Ten Hag, he has always remained ever-present and no doubt a big voice in the dressing room. In many ways, albeit not yet to the same degree, he has appeared akin to the likes of Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher in the latter stages of the Ferguson era.
While the attitude of others faltered, McTominay was always one to never down tools across tougher periods in recent years at United. As much as he may frustrate fans on the pitch sometimes, his commitment has been entirely endearing. Supporters want homegrown players to succeed more than anything, and McTominay fits the model of a United academy graduate to a tee in terms of his attitude.
For reasons that can elicit irritation among fans, such as sometimes failing to show for the ball and being too reserved in possession, a squad player may be all that McTominay will be at United. And for that reason someone of his ambition may look for a move away.
However, there have been times where McTominay has been more than just a bit-part, rotation option. He has often ensured his more frequent selection by previous managers has been vindicated, although there is a sense that he may have sometimes been held back by the somewhat infamous, fairly unbalanced 'McFred' partnership.
There is definitely lots to suggest McTominay will suffice moving forward as an option under Ten Hag, despite pleas from some quarters for him to be sold in the summer.
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The recent international break displayed better than anything what McTominay can offer with the shackles off. In a central midfield pair ahead of a back five, he was able to operate with freedom for Scotland - something he hasn't often been afforded at United given partnering Fred, for instance, has often restricted him.
He scored twice in the latter stages off the bench against Cyprus - the first after an excellent first touch and half-volley, and the second a composed first-time attempt to leave the goalkeeper rooted. This was backed up by another brace in a 2-0 victory over Spain, each with his left foot after timing a movement into the box exceptionally to strike first-time.
He has had a fair few standout displays at club level too, possibly the most memorable coming in a 6-2 victory at home to Leeds United in December 2020, during which he scored in the second and third minute before later providing an assist for Dan James.
Starts have diminished this season in conjunction with Casemiro's arrival after he initially started the season well and kept the Brazilian out of the side for a period, including in the 3-1 victory over Arsenal. He was ultimately a victim of the defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad - possibly a marker that he isn't as reliable as other options. Inconsistency of performances has been a feature of McTominay's United career.
Still, he has often proven himself a viable deputy to Casemiro, which has been necessary during his present suspension. And since the international break, the good and the bad of McTominay have been seen in equal measure.
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United's midweek victory over Brentford saw McTominay hailed as one of the standout performers in a collectively strong display, which was decided by a Marcus Rashford goal following a lofted ball by Antony and cushioned square header by Marcel Sabitzer.
It was a game that exemplified many of his strengths. As always, he was keen to get stuck in and try to break up possession, which was important as United fell slightly under the cosh having failed to take their chances and gain reward for their dominance. His commitment in duels is always second to none, with hard work a non-negotiable for McTominay.
There are issues in possession, which saw him touch the ball 43 times and complete 23 passes comparative to Bruno Fernandes' 113 touches and 83 completed passes - a typification of a lack of ability to inspire control in games in the way others may.
But he is a driving force on the ball, with ball-carrying ability a particular selling point. As much as McTominay may not necessarily allow United to dictate games to a high degree, he can certainly set the tone with his proactivity.
Many of the good aspects of his game circle back to his physicality, which comes in part due to his stature but also involves his engine, all of which can make him really suitable and a good asset in certain games.
Against Newcastle United last weekend, however, the negative aspects of McTominay's game came to the fore. In fairness, he was out of position at No.10 in the first half with Ten Hag seemingly trying to draw out the most from his attacking game while deploying Fernandes deeper to try and gain control.
This experiment didn't work, but neither did moving McTominay back to the holding No.6 role, where he again seemed restricted and was unable to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and continued to seem more anonymous than a midfield player really should be.
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Really, United could probably come out of either situation - keeping or selling McTominay - as winners. There is certain proof that he is a handy squad player, but similarly he is driven and may well push for an exit in search of regular gametime, which he couldn't be blamed for. In the latter case, United would at least get financial reward for a sale.
Now 26 years old, McTominay has a big decision to make. He could become a part of a burgeoning project at United as a homegrown asset able to play a significant rotational role. But, at the same time, he could be a more major part of a project elsewhere.
Newcastle have been widely reported as one of the sides interested, and McTominay would probably be an upgrade on Sean Longstaff, which could promise increased gametime, at least for a season, at another highly upwardly mobile club. A departure from United would mean they would have to search for a replacement, which is another thing to consider.
When weighing up a replacement, is there really anyone that won't kick up a fuss about more of a squad role and conduct themselves in the way McTominay does? That remains to be seen. And it is for that reason that McTominay feels unfairly undervalued by United fans, all things considered.
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