Harry Diamond
Darren Fletcher has discussed comparisons between himself and Scott McTominay and explained why he believes the midfielder is ‘a proper Manchester United player’.
The Scotland international has established himself as an important member of the first-team set up at Old Trafford in recent seasons, becoming a key figure in the club’s midfield since being handed regular opportunities under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
McTominay recently revealed he turned down a loan move to Celtic in order to fight for his place at United, with the 23-year-old’s decision having been vindicated following his increasing influence for the Red Devils.
The youngster’s emergence from the club’s academy ranks to star for both United and Scotland has drawn predictable comparisons with Fletcher, and the former fans’ favourite has praised McTominay’s impact since coming through the ranks.
“The comparisons are very obvious,” Fletcher told Statman Dave.
“There are two Scotsmen, I was going to say both tall and slim, but Scott is an absolute unit so I can’t say that. He’s an absolute physical specimen. I’m pushing 6’2, but I think Scott is pushing 6’3+. He’s been doing gym [work] for a long time, something that wasn’t around when I was starting out. I wish it was. But no, he’s a fantastic player.
“The comparisons are there, but we’re seeing this player that came in under Mourinho and followed Jose’s tactics to the letter. Did a job for the team, sacrificed himself for the greater good of the team, and eventually from there, your own game can evolve from that.
”It’s just that at the beginning you’ve been given that specific task where maybe you can’t show the other side of your game. But the more games you play, the more that becomes prevalent and people start seeing what you are about.
“I think Scott is fantastic – he’s a proper Manchester United player. A bit like Brandon Williams coming through, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood. They’ve got the club DNA built within them. This work-rate, this desire, this winning attitude, no egos.
“You can see that around them and it’s fantastic to see. I’m a massive fan of Scott McTominay and I think there’s more to come.”
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