Brad Friedel has backed Scott McTominay to snub a rumoured transfer to David Moyes’ West Ham United, and instead, stay put at Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.
Whilst the former Premier League goalkeeper is backing Harry Maguire to make a switch to the London Stadium, he isn’t so sure about Scott McTominay.
The Scotland International holds a more important role at Manchester United than Maguire, and Friedel thinks, because he can play a number of positions, he should remain at Old Trafford, instead of joining Maguire at West Ham, as he told The Transfer Show on Sky Sports.
There’s no doubt that Casemiro is ahead of McTominay, and unless he goes on a red card spree again or gets injured, then he will start most matches.
But you would imagine that the Manchester United academy product is ahead of Fred in the pecking order, who is expected to leave.
After that, there aren’t many other defensive-minded players at the club, so Friedel can’t see any movement for the Scotsman – Danny Murphy claimed he’s ‘too good’ for the Hammers.
“A little bit different (advice I would give to McTominay compared to Maguire),” said Friedel. “There are a few more positions he can play, for one.
“The age is another factor in McTominay. I think, if he chooses to stay and says ‘boss, I really want to fight for my place’, then I think there could be a place.
“I can understand a little bit more him staying, at least one more season, Ten Hag is really building this club up and see if I can really fit.
“With him, I would be a little hesitant that it is the absolute correct move to go (to West Ham), unless behind the scenes ten Hag has said ‘you are number six, seven or eight for me and playing time is going to be really limited’ – if I was McTominay I would be hesitant on leaving a club like Manchester United.”
More than one player needed to replace Rice
The new faces that do come into the middle of the park will have a lot of pressure on their shoulders because of how well Declan Rice performed.
That’s why, a number of players, at least two, of the profile of Rice need to come in, so they can ease some of that pressure and limelight off one guy.
Edson Alvarez is seemingly edging closer to joining from Ajax, as a European football expert offered a lowdown on his style of play.
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