See what Michael Owen has been saying about Manchester United following their win over Aston Villa
Michael Owen chatted about Manchester United star Scott McTominay
Michael Owen has called for Scott McTominay to be given a more regular role in Manchester United’s side after his latest match-winner against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
McTominay netted in the 86th-minute at Villa Park as United made it three straight victories in the Premier League to boost their Champions League qualification hopes. The 27-year-old was similarly heroic in the wins against Brentford and Chelsea earlier in the campaign and has scored seven goals in 21 top-flight games.
The midfielder was made available for transfer last summer, but a move did not materialise, while former players, including Paul Scholes, have not always been glowing about the Academy graduate. Owen, though, reckons United can only “ignore” McTominay and his worth for so long.
Problems in the engine room at United have been well documented since before Casemiro was signed and youngster Kobbie Mainoo burst on to the scene, with McTominay and long-term partner Fred often picked apart by Scholes and other TV pundits for their performances in previous years.
Assessing the 41-cap international last season, Scholes told Sky Sports: “McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, which was ridiculous. The quality in the middle of the pitch was nowhere near good enough, but we’ve seen that for the last few years with these two [McTominay and Fred].”
Scholes softened his stance on the Academy graduate in the following months, but his one-time teammate Owen has gone one step further. Speaking about McTominay after Sunday afternoon’s result and impact, he told Premier League Productions that the Scotland international could be “absolutely anything” for Erik ten Hag’s side.
“He has got attributes that you can’t really teach,” commented Owen.
“His fitness levels, his size, his strength and the way he marauds forward. It’s a fascinating conundrum because he has almost burst into my mind now and I’m thinking; ‘Wow, you have to find a place for this type of player’. I never had him down by this type of player before, this real marauding midfielder.”
Owen then added: “With his size and knack of scoring goals, you can only ignore that for so long. Okay, so he might not get ahead of Bruno [Casemiro] or Casemiro, at the moment, but if he keeps on doing what he’s doing then you are going to have to find a role in the team. If he keeps improving, then he can be absolutely anything.”
England are preparing for a huge tournament at Euro 2024 this summer
Pundit Rio Ferdinand has picked who he thinks should be in Southgate’s front six
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Rio Ferdinand has named his preferred front six for England at Euro 2024 as the huge tournament edges closer this summer.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will have some huge calls to make for his England squad as they prepare to jet off to Germany at the end of the current season looking for their first piece of silverware since 1966.
There has been plenty of debate around the England line-up and which players should get the nod to give the team the best chance of success – and former England and Man United defender Ferdinand has come up with his best six players at the front end of the pitch.
Ferdinand, who was working as a pundit for TNT’s Champions League coverage of Man City’s 3-1 win against FC Copenhagen, was asked for his thoughts on the best attacking line-up after Phil Foden had netted City’s third in stoppage time.
His first two picks at right wing and up front were simple and surprised no one.
Rio Ferdinand has revealed who his preferred front six for England would be at Euro 2024
Rio Ferdinand has revealed who his preferred front six for England would be at Euro 2024
The pundit was left agonising over a ‘tough’ selection on the left between Grealish and Rashford
The pundit was left agonising over a ‘tough’ selection on the left between Grealish and Rashford
‘[Bukayo] Saka right, [Harry] Kane up front,’ he began – before his selections became trickier, adding. ‘The left is tough man. [Jack] Grealish is injured now. [Marcus] Rashford hasn’t been in form.’
He was pushed for an answer by fellow former Three Lion Joleon Lescott, who asked him to give a verdict if everyone was fit.
Ferdinand replied: ‘If everyone’s fit and flying Rashford plays for me on the left.’
Lescott agreed with his front three selection, adding: ‘Yeah I’d go for that. I don’t think there’s a bad choice. I think everyone thinks you can get it wrong and say “well if you’re picking him then you don’t rate the other one”. I don’t think that’s the case. I think there’s so much talent.’
Ferdinand believes Marcus Rashford should get the nod over Jack Grealish on the left
Ferdinand believes Marcus Rashford should get the nod over Jack Grealish on the left
Grealish has struggled for game time this season
Grealish has struggled for game time this season
England head to Germany this summer hoping to pick up their first trophy since 1966
England head to Germany this summer hoping to pick up their first trophy since 1966
Manager Gareth Southgate faces a huge decision over his squad
Manager Gareth Southgate faces a huge decision over his squad
Ferdinand has urged him to go with his own front six
Ferdinand has urged him to go with his own front six
Ferdinand was then asked who he would have in the No 10 role should England play a 4-2-3-1 formation.
‘I’d have Foden in there,’ he said – off the back his impressive display for City.
He also concurred with Lescott on a central midfield pairing of Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice behind Foden, with the ex-Everton man saying the trio would ‘figure it out between them’.
Ferdinand then pleaded with Southgate to ensure that he picked the same front six when he is asked to name his final squad later this summer.
‘If Gareth needs any help deciding that I’m here – I’ll go on a Zoom call, I’ll even come around your house and that’s your front six please!’
England’s preparations will continue with friendlies against Brazil and Belgium next month – before two warm-up games ahead of the Euros against Boznia and Iceland.
They’ll kick off their Euro campaign against Serbia on June 16, before rounding off the group against Denmark and Slovenia.
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