Nicky Butt, the former head of Manchester United’s academy, often used Scott McTominay as an example for young players aspiring to make a mark at the club. According to Butt, McTominay’s progress is a testament to “character with talent and not talent with character.” In other words, being a gifted footballer is not enough to succeed if one’s attitude and work ethic are lacking.
These sentiments were echoed by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after McTominay scored the winning goal against Aston Villa, securing a crucial result in their quest to qualify for the Champions League. Ten Hag commended McTominay for being an example to other players, highlighting his readiness to seize every opportunity on the pitch.
The Uncertain Future
Despite McTominay’s status as one of Ten Hag’s favorites and his position as United’s leading goal scorer in the Premier League this season, his place in the starting lineup is far from guaranteed. Although he has played the seventh-most minutes for United this season, starting only 12 out of 21 league games, there is a possibility that he might find himself among the substitutes for the upcoming match against Luton Town.
Furthermore, McTominay’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. While he has expressed a strong desire to stay and fight for his place at the club in the past, there might be temptations for United to consider offers for his transfer in the summer. As an academy graduate, McTominay holds a book value of zero, meaning any transfer fee received for him would be considered pure profit for the club.
Manchester United has been cautious about adhering to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), making it challenging for them to make significant transfer moves. Selling McTominay for a substantial fee would not only boost their financial position but also alleviate the tight budget situation the club currently faces.
Financial considerations and the potential benefits of transferring academy players have altered the way Manchester United manages its talent production. The club has become more proactive in making early decisions on players, including a willingness to let go of those who are deemed to be below the required level.
Recent examples include Anthony Elanga, who scored for United in a Champions League knockout match but was sold to Nottingham Forest for £15 million, and the departures of Dean Henderson, Matej Kovar, Ethan Laird, and Zidane Iqbal. These transfers have contributed to United’s highest Q1 player transfer profits since the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.
This change in approach raises a pertinent question – would McTominay have been given the same opportunities if he were coming through the academy now? As a late bloomer physically and someone who faced injury setbacks in his youth, McTominay was not initially considered a guaranteed first-team prospect.
To protect themselves, United now includes clauses in player contracts that allow them to re-sign the players for a fixed fee if they flourish elsewhere. Additionally, the club retains the right to match any offers from competing teams and negotiate percentage fees and bonuses in future transfers. These measures help Manchester United stay within the confines of the PSR while also generating income from players trained at the club who are now plying their trade elsewhere.
Manchester United now faces the challenge of deciding McTominay’s future alongside other young players like Willy Kambwala. The club turned down a £30 million bid from West Ham last summer, and there was also tentative interest from Bayern Munich. A successful Euro 2024 campaign with Scotland could further raise his profile and potential transfer value.
The decision is not an easy one for McTominay either. He must consider whether he is content with a squad role at United, a club he has been associated with since the age of five, or if he should pursue regular first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Ultimately, McTominay’s tenure at Manchester United is a testament to his determination and resilience. His character has been vital in both the dressing room and on the field, often producing crucial goals in key moments. However, the club’s financial situation, combined with the need to rebuild the squad, may influence their decision about his future.
Scott McTominay’s career at Manchester United serves as a reminder of the importance of character and work ethic in football. While his contributions have been significant, the club must also consider the financial implications and their long-term vision when making decisions about his future. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on the actions and choices of both McTominay and Manchester United.