Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has opened up on the toughest opponent in his career when it comes to a midfield battle.
McTominay came through the Premier League club’s youth academy and earned his United debut under former Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho in 2017.
The 27-year-old Scottish midfielder has remained in the first team since his debut and former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer frequently paired him alongside Fred.
Following Solskjaer’s departure, United manager Erik ten Hag moved away from the infamous ‘McFred’ partnership and Fred was sold to Fenerbahce last summer.
McTominay has remained a key part of United’s squad under Ten Hag, but the Scotland international is not a guaranteed starter under the Dutchman.
The United star was even linked with a move away from Old Trafford last summer, with the Red Devils rejecting a £30m bid from Premier League side West Ham.
McTominay, who attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Fulham last summer, remained at United for the current season and has featured regularly under Ten Hag.
McTominay’s toughest opponent
McTominay has recently opened up about his time at Old Trafford, including his unforgettable meeting with legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Scotsman also talked up two of the best professionals he played alongside at United, as well as the manager who has transformed him as a player.
Speaking to FootballJOE, McTominay was asked about his experience as a midfielder and who his toughest opponent would be from the midfield role.
The Red Devils star picked former Chelsea ace Eden Hazard, having played against him during his time at United and while on international duty with Scotland.
“In terms of midfield players, the game changes so much [and] it’s so fluid and stuff like that,” McTominay said.
“You have people like Eden Hazard dropping into a number ten role where you’re playing a little deeper and you’ve got to defend against him.
“So, obviously, he’s a winger, predominantly more of an attacker, but sometimes you do come up one vs one against him throughout like 45 minutes if they’re changing players in a system, so I would say him.”
McTominay on Ten Hag and United
McTominay has made 12 Premier League starts in 18 league matches this season under Ten Hag and has scored five times for the Red Devils.
The Scotland international has impressed with his goalscoring output, but McTominay has also been met with criticism for his impact from a midfield role.
McTominay has spoken highly of Ten Hag since the Dutchman’s arrival at Old Trafford and the “high standards” the former Ajax boss expects from United players.
“The manager is so demanding,” he told The High Performance Podcast.
“He’s got so many high standards that the whole squad has to apply to, which I think is brilliant.
“I think that’s the way it should be, especially when playing for a club like United. We all have to act accordingly and be professional in what we do.
“[Ten Hag] is massive on timings, everyone being the same and looking similar in terms of group tracksuits.
“All of those things contribute towards a good team in terms of no-one having a big ego, everyone being in it together and pushing the right way.”
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