WHERE would Manchester United be without Scott McTominay this season? 12th in the Premier League table this season. Indeed, McTominay’s seven league goals have been worth 12 points to Erik ten Hag’s team with the Scot’s latest winner coming against Aston Villa on Sunday. Despite this, McTominay remains a target for derision.

The 27-year-old isn’t a popular figure among Manchester United supporters – at least the one who shout loudest on social media. They bemoaned McTominay when he frequently started matches earlier in the season and they continue to do now that the midfielder is being used as an impact sub off the bench.

McTominay deserves more credit for the way he has turned himself into a clutch goalscorer. In a team that has struggled for consistent attacking output over the season, the Scotland international has delivered time and time again – no player has gained as many Premier League points through their goals this season than McTominay.

Criticism of McTominay generally focuses on his weakness in possession. It’s true he has been mischaracterised as a player in the past. He isn’t a number six. He will never be Manchester United’s Sergio Busquets. Ten Hag, however, recognises this, which is why McTominay isn’t used to control and create.

Instead, McTominay has been harnessed as a box-crashing chaos merchant. He is in the team to score goals and help create situations that lead to goals. His worth in this role is illustrated by the impressive number of times he has found the back of the net this season, and in how consequential those goals have been.

United’s midfield balance has improved following Casemiro’s return to fitness and Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence. McTominay has lost his place in the starting lineup, and rightly so. Ten Hag wants his team to play a possession-orientated game in most matches and this is where McTominay is weak. As an option off the bench or in rotation, though, the Scot has more than proved himself.

“I think he’s an example for many other players nowadays,” said ten Hag after McTominay’s late winner against Aston Villa. ““There are not many players who can come from the bench and bring this energy. He’s ready for every minute, always contributing to the team. Football is a team sport and we forget that often. I think it’s great to have such a player.”

Steve Clarke played a significant role in McTominay’s recent success. The Scotland manager was the first to truly understand the value of the midfielder who had previously been playing in central defence for his national team. Over time, though, McTominay was pushed further forward, leading to a Euro 2024 qualification campaign that saw him net seven times in just eight games.

Scotland hope McTominay can carry that form into the tournament itself this summer. Clarke has built around the 27-year-old in a way that makes the most of his strengths while compensating for his weaknesses. Ten Hag clearly watched some of Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifiers because he’s now doing similar.

Manchester United seem to be on the brink of another rebuild. The club is entering a new era under the minority ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and McTominay could find himself pushed out, especially if United can collect a sizeable transfer fee for him. For the time being, though, McTominay is one of the few players who have kept United competitive this season.

On paper, McTominay should be a fans’ favourite. He is a boyhood Manchester United fan who came through the club’s youth academy. His commitment has never been questioned and he has developed a habit for scoring late goals. Somehow, though, McTominay has been made a target. He deserves better.

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