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Following a number of appearances off the bench, Scott McTominay was chosen to start out in Manchester United’s FA Cup fifth spherical conflict with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night time.
Finally, it was a difficult match for Man United, with the house facet doing properly to use attacking stress on the guests.
Nonetheless, because of an 89th-minute header from Casemiro, United had been capable of get the higher of the underdogs, securing a slender 1-0 victory.
Whereas Erik ten Hag’s facet had been underwhelming for a lot of the night, they did get the match off to an brisk begin, with McTominay being extremely concerned within the staff’s attacking buildup.
Throughout the opening minutes, the midfielder was capable of get on the tip of a threatening cross from Diogo Dalot. Whereas McTominay was well-positioned to attain, his header was aimed instantly on the Forest goalkeeper, who stored the rating stage.
Later within the half, McTominay thought it might be a great time to aim an overhead kick from a nook. He was confirmed flawed, together with his shot hovering excessive over the crossbar.
Finally, McTominay was extremely concerned in United’s assault, taking 5 pictures, nonetheless, solely two makes an attempt had been on the right track with one other being blocked.
He additionally confirmed high quality with the ball at his toes, finishing two of three dribble makes an attempt.
In his holding midfield function, McTominay’s passing recreation left quite a bit to be desired. He accomplished 35 of 48 tried passes, making for a passing accuracy of 73%, whereas he bagged one key move and accomplished two of three lengthy balls. The Scottish worldwide didn’t make any crosses.
When it comes to his physicality, McTominay did show himself to be robust each on and off the ball. Whereas he solely gained three of six floor duels, he proved robust within the air, profitable two of three aerial duels, which included a header from a nook within the first half the place he cleared the ball from hazard.
Whereas an essential header, this occasion does little to cover the truth that McTominay supplied minimal defensive assist to United’s again line. He took a single defensive motion in all the match, particularly his clearance, and was dribbled previous on one event – a poor exhibiting for a holding midfielder.
Finally, McTominay produced a good attacking efficiency, proving extremely concerned in United’s build-up play. Nonetheless, his defensive recreation left quite a bit to be desired, as did his mediocre passing efficiency.
If there’s one factor that this efficiency confirmed, it’s that McTominay has been well-suited to the attacking midfield function that Ten Hag has assigned him as he comes off the bench as an affect sub through the second half. On this night’s match, nonetheless, he was utilized in his former holding midfield function; a place the place he continually struggled beforehand.
It seems as if McTominay’s combined efficiency is basically a results of Ten Hag’s decision-making, with the Scot clearly not suited to the defensive midfield function. Ten Hag would do properly to be aware of this, notably with a conflict in opposition to Manchester Metropolis arising this weekend.
(Stats by way of Sofascore)
