When McTominay was touted as a defensive midfield alternative to Casemiro back in August, Ten Hag offered a cursory acknowledgment and then waxed lyrical about Mainoo, unprompted. This season, McTominay has been accommodated in the same midfield as Casemiro with mixed results. Scouts noted at the time that United signed Casemiro his running stats paled in comparison to McTominay's. "He is ready to take [the midfield] role... he will absolutely have his games," Ten Hag said two months ago. United have reduced the average age of the midfield department with the 24-year-old Mount and the integration of the fledgling Mainoo.

Source: Express October 18, 2023 17:39 UTC