Just 8 passes complete: Manchester United midfielder remains a total enigma for Erik ten Hag

Add as preferred source on Google

‘Get Scott McTominay in the team, he scores goals’, has been the cry after his match winning brace against Brentford.

The midfielder backed this up with a deadlock-breaking strike to put Manchester United 1-0 up away at Sheffield United.

He was then unfortunate to give away a penalty for handball. With the rules as they are, that can happen to anybody.

The real problem with Scott McTominay‘s performance was a real lack of anything else apart from his goal.

Scott McTominay numbers v Sheffield United

Scott McTominay was one half of the derided ‘McFred’ midfield which frustrated many Manchester United fans. Neither he or Fred were bad players, but together, supporters felt they did not offer enough.

McTominay has had some poor games this season too along with the good, and this match was typical of the enigma he is posing for Erik ten Hag.

The Scotland international is contributing by scoring goals, but he is not offering enough to the team as a midfielder.

Against Sheffield United, prior to his 63rd minute substitution, McTominay completed only eight passes. He had only 18 touches in total.

This is not the type of control Erik ten Hag looks for from his Manchester United midfielders.

Let’s compare this to his replacement Christian Eriksen, who completed 24 passes in 27 minutes and had 31 touches in total.

Of course, Eriksen did not score – and this is the conundrum. McTominay brings goals – but what else?

McTominay could become a luxury player

McTominay’s inability to get a grip of the game in midfield was part of the reason why Sheffield United grew in confidence over the first hour of the match.

This match was a big opportunity for him with Casemiro out of the line-up injured. He will also miss the midweek game against FC Copenhagen through suspension.

McTominay’s problem is that he could become a luxury player for Erik ten Hag, who he uses when he needs a goal, but can’t trust as a starter.

Ten Hag wants his team to control games, but this wasn’t evident until Eriksen came on and started passing the ball about in midfield more.

McTominay clearly has something to offer, but his statistical numbers were more akin to a striker than a midfielder.