Crisis? Not for us – Erik ten Hag can see Man Utd progress after Chelsea win
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made one of his upcoming transfer priorities clear with strong praise for goal-happy Scott McTominay. Ten Hag is expected to oversee the next stage of his Old Trafford rebuild in 2024, and a defensive midfield looks to be high on his wishlist.
McTominay is United’s top goalscorer this season after notching his fifth and sixth in Wednesday’s 2-1 win against Chelsea.
The 27-year-old’s goalscoring exploits also fired Scotland to next summer’s Euro 2024 in Germany, netting seven times.
He is thriving in a more advanced role after years of operating in more defensive spaces, using his ability to arrive in the box and finishing nouse to deadly effect.
And Ten Hag has suggested that he has no plans to take McTominay away from the final third ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth.
“Actually, from the first moment I saw him, he has had a very good smell to make it in the box, and he is a very good finisher,” Ten Hag explained in his press conference.
“That is not a surprise to the team. When we bring it and the way we want to play and get the balls to him, he will finish.”
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McTominay’s new role has left Ten Hag short on defensive-midfield options, a concern eased by Kobbie Mainoo’s return from injury.
The 18-year-old has shown glimpses of real promise, but the Dutchman has admitted he must manage his minutes.
Meanwhile, Casemiro, 31, is injured and expected to depart next year. Sofyan Amrabat’s future at the club beyond his season-long loan is also unclear.
United have other areas to address, including in defence and attack. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ten Hag target Casemiro’s long-term replacement to share the role with Mainoo next summer.
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The Red Devils host Bournemouth at Old Trafford tomorrow, eyeing a seventh win in nine Premier League games to continue the recovery from their poor start to the campaign.
Ten Hag was named Premier League Manager of the Month for November before his press conference as part of a memorable United hat-trick.
He joined Player of the Month Harry Maguire and Alejandro Garnacho, whose bicycle kick against Everton was unsurprisingly named Goal of the Month.
And the Dutchman insists United are in a much better place than they have been previously this term, with the Champions League spots edging closer.
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He said: “So we know where we are going, and we had our setbacks, especially at the start of the season.
“Things went against us with injuries, decisions and sometimes you find yourselves in such a place. You see the character of the team.
“We’re in a better place, better form. The performances are increasing. We are performing as a team and as individuals.
“You have to be sharp in every game. This league is very competitive, and you see it in results this week. Everyone kills everyone.”
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