The current season has presented Manchester United with considerable challenges both in the Premier League and the Champions League. This article delves into Scott McTominay’s recent standout performances, his prospective role within the club, and the growing concerns regarding the workload placed on Bruno Fernandes.
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Scott McTominay’s Last-Minute Heroics:
In a recent Premier League encounter against Brentford, it was Scott McTominay who, as a relatively unheralded substitute, saved the day. His stoppage-time brace not only silenced the opposition’s fans but also ignited fervor throughout the stadium.
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Debating McTominay’s Role:
There have been ongoing debates about the role Scott McTominay should play at a prominent club like Manchester United. He has often found himself linked with potential transfers to other clubs, including Newcastle and West Ham. His partnership with Fred, known as “McFred,” during the 2021/22 season received substantial criticism, leaving fans uncertain about his place in the squad.
McTominay’s Prolific Scoring Form:
In 2023, McTominay has been in splendid form for his national team, briefly occupying the top spot on the Euro 2024 qualifying goals charts. His six international goals have resurfaced his background as a former striker, yet this prowess hasn’t translated consistently at the club level, partly due to his limited playing time.
Intense Competition in Midfield:
Manchester United’s midfield is highly competitive, making it challenging for McTominay to secure a regular starting position. The recent acquisitions of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat, along with the emergence of academy product Kobbie Mainoo as a favorite of manager Erik ten Hag, have added to this competition.
Image Source: United in Focus
A Late-Game Impact Player:
McTominay’s late introduction in the match against Brentford underscored his role as the last resort, often coming on as a substitute with only minutes left to play. This suggests that his most effective role at Manchester United may be as a game-changing impact player coming off the bench.
A Winning Record as a Substitute:
A fascinating trend emerges when McTominay takes the field as a substitute: Manchester United consistently secures victories. In all the league matches where he has been brought on, the team has emerged triumphant. His late-game contributions against Wolves and Nottingham Forest helped United maintain a 1-0 lead, while his performance against Brentford was truly remarkable.
Bruno Fernandes’ Overwhelming Workload:
While Scott McTominay’s role at the club is evolving, another crucial player, Bruno Fernandes, faces concerns regarding his workload. The Portuguese midfielder has been a linchpin of Manchester United’s midfield, yet his unrelenting participation in matches raises questions about his long-term sustainability.
The Significance of Bruno Fernandes:
Bruno Fernandes serves as the captain and orchestrator of Manchester United’s midfield. He possesses exceptional durability and rarely experiences injuries. When available, he invariably plays the entire duration of matches. His adaptability enables him to occupy various roles on the pitch, making him a pivotal component of Erik ten Hag’s tactical strategies.
A Grueling Workload:
Fernandes’ workload is nothing short of grueling. He has accumulated more playing time than any other player globally in the past year, amassing a total of 6,666 minutes between September 15, 2022, and September 15, 2023. In the previous season alone, he participated in 70 games for club and country, including deep runs in domestic cup competitions and the Europa League.
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Worries about Overworking:
While Fernandes may welcome the opportunity to compete consistently at the highest level, genuine concerns have arisen regarding the sustainability of such an arduous workload. With the European Championship approaching, he could potentially play in excess of 80 matches in the 2023-24 season, surpassing 150 games within a span of just over two years.
Bruno Fernandes’ Unwavering Determination:
Despite concerns about his workload, Fernandes remains steadfast in his commitment to play a central role for his team. He has made it abundantly clear that he becomes disheartened when not in the starting lineup or is unable to complete the full 90 minutes. This underscores his unyielding passion for the game and his unrelenting desire to contribute to Manchester United’s success.
Conclusion:
As Manchester United grapples with a challenging season, scrutiny surrounds the roles of players like Scott McTominay and the sustainability of Bruno Fernandes’ workload. McTominay’s late-game heroics suggest he may excel as an impact player. Conversely, concerns about Fernandes’ long-term stamina necessitate careful management to ensure his consistent contributions to the club’s success as the season progresses.
