Is Scott McTominay’s Success a Reflection on Manchester United’s Tactical Failures?
The football world is abuzz with discussions surrounding the contrasting trajectories of players who once donned the Manchester United jersey, particularly Scott McTominay. The Scottish midfielder has been making headlines for his impressive performances with Napoli in Serie A, while former United teammate Roy Keane has been vocal about his frustrations regarding the handling of McTominay and others during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's era at Old Trafford.
As the current manager of Besiktas, Solskjaer is no stranger to Manchester United's fanfare and criticisms, especially regarding his tenure from 2018 to 2021, which ended without any major trophies. McTominay, during Solskjaer’s management, was often seen as part of the notorious 'McFred' duo, a midfield partnership comprising himself and Fred. This notably lackluster combination drew heavy criticism, including from Keane, who has categorically disagreed with Solskjaer's endorsement of the pairing.
In a recent discussion on The Overlap’s Stick to Football show, Keane expressed his bewilderment at Solskjaer's unwavering praise for both players, indicating it was beyond his understanding. He remarked, “What didn’t help Scott was it was him and Fred together. It just wasn’t a good combo. I know Ole praises both of them – which is beyond me – I always thought there was something in Scott.”
Keane’s insights lead to the critical question: Could McTominay have showcased his skills more effectively if he had not been paired with Fred? Following his transfer to Napoli in 2024, McTominay has flourished in Italy, notching up 12 goals and six assists in his debut season. However, Keane urges caution, suggesting that while McTominay has excelled, it’s important not to be overly nostalgic about former players. “You can't keep talking about players who leave a big club and say we should have kept them,” he stated.
Moreover, Keane elaborated on McTominay’s progress, acknowledging that his development in Italy has been impressive but questioned whether he would have been a guaranteed starter at a United team looking to reclaim past glories. “I think McTominay could have been in the group, 100 per cent,” he articulated, yet continued with a caveat regarding the necessary quality of players for a club such as Manchester United.
As the debate continues, it begs the question of how tactical decisions and managerial philosophies impact player development at clubs with rich histories like Manchester United. With their current recruitment policy under scrutiny, fans are left to wonder how many more talented players might thrive in an environment where their potential is fully recognised and nurtured.
As we reflect on these developments, could this be a time for Manchester United to reassess their approach to teamwork and player utilisation? What are your thoughts on McTominay’s journey from Manchester to Napoli? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below.
