Erik ten Hag came out with some pretty interesting comments over the weekend none more so than what he had to say about the Scottish R9 Scott McTominay.
Post the victory over Rangers on Saturday afternoon, the MUFC boss was asked about the Scotland international's future amid interest from the likes of Fulham and Turkish giants Galatasaray.
ten Hag came out with some pretty honest words about his feelings regarding McTominay:
"If you score 10 goals in a season and perform very well for Scotland there will be an interest. We want to actually keep him because he's a very important player for our squad. We've seen what he can contribute last season. When we had the sixes and he could play in a more advanced role, he's a highly interesting player for our team", via Manchester World.
Now I know there are a lot of Scott McTominay fans out there, but I certainly am NOT one of them.
I have nothing against the guy and by how well-liked he is around the dressing room and club, and the fact that he's been given chances to play a lot of first-team football at United under several managers, he's obviously a great character and personality to have at Man Utd.
Scotty also has that passion we love to see and the correct attitude for a player at MUFC.
However, as a footballer, I simply just do not see it. I have never seen it with him.
Yes, 'McTerminator' does have his good qualities as he strong, good aerially and has a brilliant finish but those are all attributes of a good striker, of which we now have two.
Given the fact that he is actually a midfielder (I think), he doesn't actually perform well in the centre of the park as he has very little midfielder attributes.
He's not good on the ball, his passing is poor, he doesn't track back well enough, he hides far too often and he doesn't actually create anything of note.
Erik ten Hag coming out and praising McTominay for his exploits last season talking about his goal contributions, performances for club and country, how he's a "very important player" for the Man Utd squad, that he wants to keep him, complimenting his hair style, his washboard abs and that he's the greatest thing since sliced bread made me think, what is it about the Scotsman that gets everyone on his side?
Alright, those last three things were made up, but you catch my meaning.
As I said though, I have nothing against him because he seems to be a top guy, but that's about it with him. That is one of the only reasons as to why I believe he is at the club.
If that is true, then it is simply not good enough. Good is not good enough. Not my words, the words of Erik ten Hag.
Sure, McTominay is decent enough as a squad player but do we seriously want to be bringing someone like him off the bench? Is he someone that is truly going to make a difference?
Of course, there are the odd games where he did make a massive difference such as the win over Brentford but if that's all he's good for, what's the point in him?
When looking at the likes of Man City and Arsenal - the two best teams in England - their second teams (especially in City's case) are better than most opposition's first teams. This is the benchmark. If you want to win in football nowadays, that is the level of quality you need.
I feel that with 'Scotty', he is in the same bracket as Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof (Magelof). The two of them are much the same as their Scottish team-mate in that they are good, honest players but simply not at the level required for how Erik ten Hag wants to play and where the team wants to go.
These two players are also linked with moves away from Old Trafford with the Swedish captain being of particular interest to Fenerbahce. A reunion with the man who brought him to United and former MUFC manager Jose Mourinho could be in the reckoning for Lindelof. I think that would be a good move for him tbh.
Everybody appears to be on board with at least one of Maguire or Lindelof leaving so why should it be any different with Mctominay if he is of the same quality and value?
Fulham have shown great interest in McTominay. In fact, they've already made two offers, both of which were turned down by United as they want something in the region of £30m.
I belive this would be a good move for him as he will play regular first-team football - which is what I'm sure he wants and isn't guaranteed it at United - Fulham are a good side, he will stay in England and can have a decent career in London.
But after these ten Hag comments about McTominay, I doubt anyone would be looking to buy the Scotsman.
At 27-years-old, Scotty is in his prime and does he want to be a squad player at best? He really should be showing some ambition at his age to go and play on the regular.
In regards to these comments by ten Hag, all I have to ask is, what have you been smoking Erik and can I have some of that?
Background Image: Erik ten Hag | Image via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)