Keogh ‘scapegoat’ rap
McTominay tipped to be leader at United
SCOTT McTOMINAY is a captain in waiting after seizing his chance at Manchester United.
And five-time Premier League winner Wes Brown reckons midfield star McTominay is showing signs of being the leader United have been searching for after another influential display in the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.
Brown spent 15 years at United, winning two Champions Leagues alongside captains like Roy Keane and Nemanja Vidic.
And he reckons although Harry Maguire was captain at Stamford Bridge, 22-year-old Scottish international McTominay is proving himself the real leader in United’s engine room.
“You would probably say that Scott is one of the first names on the team-sheet at the moment,” he said.
“You wouldn’t have said that at the beginning but he’s consistently played well.
“He’s stepping up and taken that leadership role and he’s not fazed by anything ” said Brown, talking exclusively to 888sport.
“He’s a good passer, a big, tall lad, and a good runner. He has definitely been one of the best players, along with Aaron WanBissaka, and you want him playing every week at the moment. He hasn’t failed at anything. If anything, he has excelled. With him being a young lad, you can only see him getting better.
“His attitude is brilliant and he gives it everything.”
Brown, who was one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s academy graduates, made his debut as a 20-year-old and played 362 times for United.
And he has a special eye on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s young stars.
He’s convinced left-back Brandon Williams is now a major threat to Luke Shaw.
Shaw has been out for two months and missed 11 games with a hamstring injury – and in his absence 19-year-old local lad Williams has looked a star in the making.
“I thought Williams’ attitude was fantastic because, when you’re a young lad, you don’t want to be making any mistakes. Yet he stepped up to the plate,” he said.
“He was brilliant for the Under23s but in the first team he has excelled. He wanted it.”
■ Wes Brown predicts Anthony Martial to score first and Man Utd to beat Bournemouth 2-0, available at 34/1 with 888sport. T&Cs apply. Odds subject to change.
AXED Derby skipper Richard Keogh’s wife has entered the row over his controversial sacking.
The 33-year-old defender is facing a bitter legal battle with the club after his dismissal for gross misconduct.
Charlie let her feelings be known by changing her Instagram profile to include the words: “Wife to a professional scapegoat”, a post which has since been deleted. (inset)
Keogh (right) made over 350 appearances for the Rams but had his contract terminated with immediate effect for refusing to accept a massive pay cut.
Derby wanted to slash his £25,000-a-week wages because he faces over a year out injured after a car crash which saw teammates Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett convicted of drink driving.
The Republic of Ireland
QUARTER-FINAL DRAW international has 14 days to appeal and is consulting lawyers and the PFA over the matter.
It is believed that Keogh plans to appeal but the club have not had this confirmed.
Derby boss Phillip Cocu said he had spoken to Keogh on Tuesday and added: “I will speak to him again.
“It’s very complicated.”