17 December 2023 , 16:44
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Erik ten Hag named Scott McTominay as his Manchester United captain to face Liverpool on Sunday - a matter of months since the midfielder almost left the club.
McTominay, 26, was subject to interest from West Ham in the summer and was open to the idea of leaving Old Trafford in search of regular first-team football. However, a £40million deal couldn't be struck and McTominay ended up staying put.
Despite playing just seven minutes in United's first three Premier League matches, McTominay has since forced his way back into Ten Hag's plans after the Dutchman was happy to sell the Scotland international. In fact, McTominay started in each of the Red Devils' last eight top flight games heading into the trip to Anfield, scoring three times in the process.
He has become an important member of the United side in recent weeks and Ten Hag rewarded McTominay for his recent performances. With Bruno Fernandes suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, McTominay was handed the captaincy at Anfield.
Explaining his decision, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: "I think he is one of the examples of what it means to play for Manchester United, to play with the badge on his heart.
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"He is an example, and the others can take that and build on him. I'm sure he will be a communicator; I'm sure he will be an example of passion and desire, and you need that in these games."
Scott McTominay was named as the Manchester United captain to face Liverpool (Getty Images)After struggling for game time towards the start of the season, McTominay came off the bench to score twice for United in their 2-1 victory over Brentford in October. Speaking after that game, Ten Hag said of McTominay: "He is Manchester United in everything and in his heart. So he's playing for the badge. He gives his life. And when you're coming on and you give this to the team, it tells a lot."
When quizzed on whether McTominay has a future at United, Ten Hag added then: "Yes, of course. That's why he's here. He is one of our our midfield players and yeah, he can make the [difference in the] boxes, you see.
"Against Burnley he played and then he should have played against Crystal Palace, but then he was ill and then he comes out of the team and then others take over. But he has, as everyone [does], to fight for his position. But of course, it helps when you when you contribute like this afternoon."