Erik ten Hag’s managerial and coaching qualities have been very evident over the three weeks with Manchester United racking up four successive victories.
There is no clearer example of this than Scott McTominay‘s return to form, and prominent role in midfield over the past four victories.
McTominay was awful in United’s opening game of the season, and rightly criticised and dropped.
While he is still a somewhat limited player, Ten Hag has McTominay playing to his strengths, and is getting the best out of him. This was very evident in the win over Arsenal.
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Scott McTominay completed 100 per cent of his passes
Scott McTominay’s statistics for the defeat v Brighton at Old Trafford and the win v Arsenal could not be more different.
- McTominay v Brighton
- 18 of 27 passes complete (67%)
- 0 successful dribbles
- 0 tackles won
- 2 ground duels won
His performance against Arsenal was a huge improvement in almost every aspect.
- McTominay v Arsenal
- 25 of 25 passes complete (100%)
- 1 successful dribble
- 2 tackles won
- 3 ground duels won
For any outfield player to complete 100 per cent of his passes for 90 minutes in a Premier League match is a good achievement, especially in a game played at such a frenetic pace as United’s match with Arsenal.
While the pass count is not particularly high, McTominay did what he was asked to do, playing a key role, distributing the ball to Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes, to play the more ambitious, progressive passes.
Ten Hag has McTominay playing within his lane, not trying to be something he’s not, and he’s currently doing it well.
His time in the United starting line-up may not last, due to Casemiro’s arrival, but he is doing everything he can to stay in the team.
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