Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has praised Scott McTominay‘s leadership qualities after naming the midfielder as captain away to Liverpool.
McTominay was given the armband in the absence of regular captain Bruno Fernandes, who missed the game through suspension after getting five yellow cards.
United were also without Harry Maguire because of injury.
This season McTominay has made some significant contributions for United, scoring seven goals, while he is also well versed in the values of the club given that he is an academy product.
Ten Hag was full of praise for McTominay and suggested that the 27-year-old can set a good example for his team-mates.
Erik ten Hag praised Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay’s leadership qualities
Ten Hag gave McTominay the captain’s armband in the absence of Bruno Fernandes
Ten Hag told Sky Sports: ‘I think he is one of the examples of what it means to play for Manchester United to to play with the badge on his heart. And that is as an example. And the others can take that. and so they can build on him.
‘And I’m sure he will be the communicator. I’m sure he will be the example of desire and passion. And I think especially that you need in this game.’
Meanwhile, former United midfielder Roy Keane suggested that it was an excellent opportunity for Kobbie Mainoo to impress.
The 18-year-old was named in the starting lineup at Anfield and Keane feels that the experience will be hugely valuable for the talented youngster. In addition, Keane praised Mainoo’s temperament.
Keane said: ‘He’s got good composure we’ve seen him at Everton, good decision making his passing was fine but playing Everton and Liverpool is obviously like chalk and cheese. They obviously have great trust in him. He’s got a nice temperament.’
Roy Keane praised Kobbie Mainoo’s temperament after the youngster started versus Liverpool
Keane says that on some occasions in previous games Mainoo has taken too many touches
Keane suggested that Mainoo takes too many touches at times, which is something he should look to address.
Keane said: ‘The one thing I’d looked at when he played against Everton he was taking too many touches in around his own box. You’ve got to be careful here today at Anfield because if they nick it off you they will punish you but he’s a young lad why not throw him in. If you want to be a United player, then he’s got to get used to playing in these environments.’
