16 February 2024 , 12:10
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Dimitar Berbatov has praised Scott McTominay's mentality and compared him to former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher.
McTominay is United's second-highest goalscorer this season, having netted eight times in all competitions for Erik ten Hag’s side. Seven of those goals have come in the Premier League and have often been vital, with a late brace giving them a 2-1 win over Brentford in October, another double coming in a 2-1 win over Chelsea in December and his most recent a late header to down Aston Villa by the same scoreline.
Despite his impact, Ten Hag has often preferred to use him as an impact substitute, rather than a starter. The Scotland international has started just half of United’s 24 Premier League matches this season, yet has continued to give his all for the side.
It is that quality which former United striker Berbatov admires. "Scott McTominay scores important goals. Coming off the bench or starting games, he gives me that feeling of a player that is ready to sacrifice himself for the team, like a true soldier that’s going to be there for you," he told Betfair.
"He knows his role in the team, he knows his strong qualities and he sticks to that. On top of that, I don’t see him getting angry when he’s left on the bench and then not giving 100 per cent when he gets subbed on. It’s quite the opposite.
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"Even when he comes off the bench, he’s always f***ing there, pressing and tackling and in the face of the opposition. He makes great runs into the box to score goals. Of course, in his case, he’s going to like to play more."
McTominay has struggled to find a place in United’s starting line-up, with Ten Hag fielding Kobbie Mainoo alongside Casemiro in the two holding midfield positions. McTominay’s strength is as a box-to-box midfielder who arrives late into dangerous areas and is good in the air – and his mentality is reminiscent of his compatriot.
Dimitar Berbatov loved playing with Darren Fletcher (Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)Berbatov added: "McTominay reminds me of Darren Fletcher. Not because they’re both Scottish, but because of their selflessness and not thinking, ‘I’m better than the rest’. He knows what he’s bringing to the team. He will do everything in his power to help his teammates - it’s just like how Fletch was back in the day. So, you can’t have success without players like this."
Berbatov’s opinion was echoed by Diogo Dalot after McTominay headed in his cross to beat Villa on Sunday. "I think every time he comes on the pitch, he has that mentality of trying to score goals and trying to help the team," Dalot said. "We need this type of mentality at this club and I think he is the perfect person to show this season that even coming from the bench, he always has a good impact."
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