Man Utd “monster” looks like the new McTominay & he’s not even a midfielder

Finally, there’s cohesion again in Manchester United’s midfield ranks, with Michael Carrick‘s shift back to a 4-2-3-1 having worked wonders in recent weeks.

There’s the experience and defensive nous of Casemiro in the pivot, there’s the playmaking genius of Bruno Fernandes in a roaming number ten role, all with the resurgent Kobbie Mainoo sandwiched in the middle.

After so much discussion under the 14-month Ruben Amorim regime regarding the merits of his midfield two, Carrick has swiftly found a far more fruitful solution in the centre of the park.

Indeed, for the first time in a long time, that department looks to be firing on all cylinders, albeit with a more long-term answer needing to be found, considering Casemiro’s summer exit has already been confirmed.

Ahead of a summer that could see United move for at least two new midfielders, there have been whispers of a potential return for Scott McTominay, but would that really be the best solution for all parties?

Why Man Utd must not re-sign Scott McTominay

The INEOS regime have acted ruthlessly in terms of outgoings in recent windows, although there have really been too many notable mistakes in that department? Is anyone truly pining for Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony? The list goes on.

Among those who have made the Old Trafford side look rather silly since his exit is that man McTominay, with the oft-maligned Carrington graduate placing 18th in last year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, having steered Napoli to the title as Serie A’s MVP.

The Scotland star – whose stunning overhead kick against Denmark also helped book his country’s place at the World Cup – had enjoyed a then-career best season in Manchester in 2023/24, scoring ten goals in all competitions under Erik ten Hag.

While a notable starter in the FA Cup final no less, the 29-year-old had largely been an impact player under the Dutchman that year, with INEOS ultimately deciding it was the right time to cash in, receiving a fee of around £30m for a man with just a year left on his contract at the time.

18 months on, that decision may well have backfired, although that is more to do with the woes of his replacement, Manuel Ugarte, with the Uruguayan already looking set for the exit door after a forgettable spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

McTominay’s own move has proved far more impressive, although while reports have suggested that a return to his former club could be on the cards, that is a scenario that should be avoided, not least with the 6 foot 4 talent set to turn 30 later this year.

Equally too, considering his almost god-like status in Naples, it would be folly for the player himself to return to England, having never truly become the main man in Manchester.

Man Utd could have another McTominay at Old Trafford

As stated above, McTominay never really emerged as a leading figure for the Red Devils, almost operating as something of a 12th man in his final year, someone who was deserving of a start, but could never navigate a clear path into the starting lineup.

Indeed, that 2023/24 season saw the Lancaster-born powerhouse earn a supersub status, in truth, popping up off the bench for notable goals away at Molineux and Villa Park, alongside his last-gasp brace against Brentford at Old Trafford.

In many ways, he emerged as Ten Hag’s get out of jail free card, with his height and box-crashing ability proving such a handful for opposition defenders, particularly in the closing stages of a game.

That trick is being repeated somewhat under the new Carrick ‘era’, with Benjamin Sesko perhaps United’s new 12th man, considering his limited, yet vital involvement in recent weeks.

Reborn in the wake of Amorim’s exit, Sesko scored three times in the two games under caretaker boss Darren Fletcher, albeit while having not started since, with Carrick favouring a more fluid frontline of late.

That has left the 6 foot 5 Slovenian reduced to mere late cameos, although he has mirrored McTominay in taking those limited opportunities with both hands, first lashing home on the turn to secure a win at the death at home to Fulham.

The 22-year-old should well have added a third of the day in the subsequent win over Tottenham Hotspur, after heading straight at Guglielmo Vicario following Bruno Fernandes’ delightful dink, although he more than made up for that inconsequential moment with another rescue act at the London Stadium.

With United packing the box in search of an equaliser against a resilient West Ham United side, Sesko’s deft flick nestled beautifully into the top corner, ensuring he now boasts six goals from his last five games in league and cup.

There are now calls for the £74m man to start moving forward, but – similar to McTominay’s own situation – the issue is who makes way, with all of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad having emerged as key figures of late.

In the short-term, operating as United’s effective impact man could be a useful role for Sesko, although the young “monster” – as hailed by analyst and scout Ben Mattinson – needs to go one better than McTominay and truly nail down a regular starting berth for himself.

Indeed, if the in-form centre-forward is given a chance from the start in the near future, he simply has to take it.

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