October 7th 2023.
Peter Schmeichel is baffled by the treatment Scott McTominay has received from Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag this season. The Scotland international had been linked with a move away from the club in the summer, but United failed to receive a suitable bid and retained the services of McTominay.
The 26-year-old had been much maligned since breaking into the first team under Jose Mourinho, but he proved his worth with two injury-time goals against Brentford that secured an astonishing comeback victory and may well have saved his manager’s job.
"He's got the ability to do that," Schmeichel said in disbelief. "I don't understand what coaches are doing. Scott McTominay was up for sale all summer and I don't understand that. He's a fantastic player, you need utility players. You need players that can play different positions, that can come from the bench and change the course of the game and he's definitely one of them. You bring in players and you sit there with big question marks, why is that player there?"
Ten Hag was quick to thank McTominay for his heroics and praised his never say die attitude. He said: "You know with Scott you get drive and energy on the pitch. He can make a goal, he can arrive and his willingness is very strong. His feeling for this club is very strong, he plays with all his heart. He will always defend the colours of this club."
The Brentford victory may have been a turning point for both McTominay and Ten Hag. While Schmeichel is still left wondering why the midfielder has been reduced to a bit-part player at the club, it is clear that McTominay has the capability to turn matches in United's favour.
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