Scott McTominay has been urged to reject a return to Manchester United because of a key player
Scott McTominay is set to be in demand this summer(Image: Marco Canoniero, LightRocket via Getty Images)
Scott McTominay should turn down a potential return because of Bruno Fernandes’ position at the club. That’s the view of United legend Gordon Strachan amid speculation the Scotland international could head back to Old Trafford following his impressive performances for Napoli.
Erik ten Hag’s decision to approve McTominay’s sale in 2024 has become increasingly questionable over time. United have frequently been short of the energy and determination he would have brought to midfield.
The position has now become a key area of focus ahead of the summer transfer window, irrespective of who becomes the next permanent manager. Michael Carrick has emerged as a contender by delivering an impressive stint as interim boss so far.
That hasn’t escaped McTominay’s attention, who has expressed his tremendous respect for Carrick and his delight at witnessing United’s resurgence. The two are former Old Trafford team-mates, while Carrick has also previously coached McTominay.
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Nevertheless, Strachan has cautioned his compatriot against returning to his boyhood club, even if Carrick is in charge. He reckons the existing system, with Fernandes playing as a number 10, wouldn’t be suitable for McTominay.
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Strachan told BetVictor Casino: “I don’t think Scott McTominay should retrace his steps. I think he has to go into a system that allows him to be the midfield player who gets into the box without too many touches.
“I think that’s what he fell upon at Napoli, a system that suits him to be free to just get in the box. Would Manchester United play like that? Because you’ve got Bruno Fernandes playing as a number 10 now.
Bruno Fernandes has been playing higher up the pitch under Michael Carrick(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)
“They’ve got to have the other players who are more set to a certain extent. Does he like going back there, McTominay, taking the ball from the back four and playing from there?
“Or does he prefer being 30 yards further up the pitch, waiting for crosses, doing edge-of-the-box stuff? It’s got to be a system that suits him. I don’t know whether he thinks it would be the nicest place to play, to be honest with you.”
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United have been linked with numerous other midfielders, including Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton and Elliott Anderson. Strachan says McTominay will have no shortage of alternative options should he choose to depart Napoli, where he has become immensely popular.
The former Celtic boss added: “The good thing about it is that his performances allow him to have these choices. But I think it has to be the right system that suits him.
McTominay has been superb for Napoli(Image: SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images)
“There was a glimpse of McTominay at Man United in certain games. He’s not the trickiest player on the ball, he hasn’t got the greatest vision in the world, but for somebody attacking the box and getting goals and strength in the middle of the park, then he’s your man.”
If McTominay shares those concerns, they could be eased if Fernandes decides to depart this summer. There are rumours that the Portuguese playmaker has become weary of the constant turmoil at Old Trafford and is prepared for a new challenge. Interest from the Saudi Pro League was significant last summer before he chose to stay put for another year after talks with former boss Ruben Amorim.
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