McTominay’s absence is big worry for Ole
M.E.N. Sport looks at key areas ahead of United’s clash with Villa tomorrow...
MCTOMINAY MIGHT BE UNITED’S MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER
Twelve months ago the prospect of Scott McTominay missing a match wouldn’t have really bothered many United fans, yet his absence this weekend could be pivotal.
It is no surprise to see United’s form stall since the Scotland international got injured, and in his void there has been a glaring lack of quality to replace him.
Fred and Andreas Pereira looked woeful last time out in the league, while the prospect of bringing Nemanja Matic back into the fold still seems out of the question.
McTominay’s absence has not only highlighted his importance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but the fact he might be the only player without a credible replacement in the entire squad.
GREALISH GETS HIS OLD TRAFFORD AUDITION
United have made no secret of their desire to add attacking reinforcement in the new year, and after an impressive start to the new season there is a growing belief Jack Grealish could be a wise acquisition. The Villa captain has been instrumental to their best results this season with a string of energetic midfield displays which have put him into the frame for an international callup with England.
Grealish has carried the ball further than any other Premier League player this season (3441 metres). He’s created 17 chances after carrying the ball (moving the ball five or more metres), more than any other player in the competition.
James Maddison is probably ahead of him as a transfer target, but a strong showing this weekend could see him move up the pecking order as a desired January addition.
SOLSKJAER HAS A WELCOME SELECTION DILEMMA
Although the midweek defeat to Astana was poor, it did at least present an intriguing dilemma for the United manager ahead of this weekend’s match. Brandon Williams’ absence suggests he will start the game ahead of Shaw at left back, but it is unclear whether any other youngsters will earn a place in the squad. United’s poor defensive showings could see Axel Tuanzebe get a start at centre back while Ethan Laird and Dylan Levitt might be genuine contenders for the bench. UNITED MUST END WORRYING RUN
Last weekend’s horror show at Bramall Lane was not only bad for an opening hour as woeful as we’ve seen since Sir Alex Ferguson left, but the fact United conceded again once they somehow turned things around. United have dropped 10 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, just one fewer than they dropped in the whole of 2018-19 (11). Indeed, since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge of the club, only Southampton (24) and Tottenham (20) have lost more points from ahead than United (17). Failing to win from being ahead cost them again in the Europa League in midweek, and now Solskjaer must find a way to ensure heads don’t drop as often as they have been doing.