Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag must drop midfielder Scott McTominay for the midweek Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Red Devils played out a 1-1 draw against Brentford on the road last night. They were completely outclassed and a point was probably a positive in the end.
Ten Hag will want a strong response against the Blues on Thursday. Ahead of the game, the Dutchman must look into a change in midfield with McTominay dropping out.
The Scotland international has been a valuable contributor of goals for United this term and he has helped them register 12 extra points in the Premier League.
Despite this, his overall performances have been disappointing when he has been in the starting XI.
Yesterday was another firm example. McTominay lined up alongside Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the park with Casemiro not deemed fit enough to make the starting XI.
Casemiro only recently recovered from a minor knee injury and Ten Hag opted to keep him on the bench with McTominay getting the nod alongside Mainoo in midfield.
The decision did not prove worthwhile. The Scot lacked any sort of control over 90 minutes. He completed only 23 passes with only 38 per cent of his duels won (5/13).
The 27-year-old also lost possession on 14 occasions. He barely had an influence at the heart of the midfield and Mainoo was left on his own to handle the workload.
The Red Devils can’t afford the same in midweek against the robust midfield pairing of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. McTominay must make way for Casemiro.
Casemiro has not been at his very best in the current season amid injuries, but the Brazil international formed a solid partnership with Mainoo before his recent setback.
We would like to see the duo reunited on Thursday. Mason Mount may have a point to prove against his former employers, but the Englishman could be restricted to a bench role.
Mount has just returned after a four-month lay-off with a calf injury. Ten Hag may handle him with extra caution.
McTominay, who is currently valued at €32 million by Transfermarkt, could also have a part to play off the bench if the Red Devils find themselves trailing in the game.
The Scot scored both goals in the 2-1 win over the Blues earlier this campaign where he could have easily bagged a hat-trick with the chances which were handed to him.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
