Man United Coaching Staff Working To Change Scott McTominay’s Role

Man United coaching staff aims to get the best out of their midfield options by working on Scott McTominay’s game.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s preferred pairing of McTominay and Fred has never been the most progressive midfield pivot in the Premier League. But this season the duo have looked shaky during defensive transitions as well, leading to an increased call from fans for a different midfield combination.

Nemanja Matic can’t start most games due to his age, while Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek are suited for more advanced roles. As such, Solskjaer has time and again been left with no other option but to return to the ‘McFred’ partnership in the 4-2-3-1 system, leaving the French midfielder either on the bench or higher up the pitch on the left flank.

However, according to the Athletic, coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna are working on a solution that could shield the backline, and also allow Pogba to play alongside Fernandes in the midfield.

Accordingly, they are discussing with McTominay on the discipline and passing required to operate as a sole holding midfielder. Rodri plays the similar role under Pep Guardiola, giving the Spaniard freedom to include both Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva in the middle of the park in a 4-3-3 shape.

Considering United’s struggles on the break this season with both McTominay and Fred, the coaching staff at Carrington will have to do a lot of work with the Scotland international to prepare him to safeguard the midfield on his own.