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Football

11th May 2018

Gary Neville stands by Scott McTominay comments amid supporter criticism

It's not the first time we've heard that recommendation

Darragh Murphy

Scott McTominay doesn’t fill Gary Neville with confidence when on the ball.

McTominay has become a regular fixture in Manchester United’s midfield and has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season after making his debut almost a year ago.

The 21-year-old is often deployed in a midfield three with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic but United legend Gary Neville is not so sure that McTominay’s future lies in that position.

Neville, who was on commentary duty for the Red Devils’ 0-0 draw with West Ham on Thursday night, is not the first person to suggest that the youngster, who recently pledged his international allegiance to Scotland, might be better suited to a role at centre-half.

“McTominay, when I watch him, I’m not sure he’s actually good enough on the ball to be a Man United midfield player,” Neville said.

“I do think he’s the type that it’s good for him to play games in there – but I do wonder whether if actually he’s got more of a position at centre-back eventually, the physicality that he has. He’s a big lad.

“Is he sharp enough on the ball to be a Man United central midfield player?”

As is so often the case nowadays, supporters latched on to Neville’s comments and accused him of being overly critical of McTominay.

But the former right-back stood by his claims and insisted that he was simply expressing his analysis of what United ought to do to get the best out of a player.

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