Man United ace can justify club’s £30million transfer decision vs West Ham

In a parallel universe not too distant, Scott McTominay might have been donning claret and blue at the London Stadium on Saturday.

The lead-up to Manchester United’s Premier League clash with West Ham could have revolved around festive reunions, with David Moyes facing his former club and McTominay confronting the team of his youth.

West Ham emerged as the frontrunner for McTominay, whose future at United hung in the balance until the summer transfer window’s closing moments.

Despite multiple midfield signings at Old Trafford, he was on the market.

Moyes, keen on securing the services of the Scottish midfielder, greenlit a £30 million bid in August.

However, a pre-season injury to Kobbie Mainoo left United cautious about a hasty sale that could lead to regret. Consequently, they rejected West Ham’s bid, and the move didn’t materialize.

During the summer, United secured Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat, minimizing McTominay’s early-season impact.

He found himself on the bench in the August defeat to Tottenham, prompting speculation about his future at the club. Gary Neville suggested he was being ‘managed out.’

Despite sporadic starts, McTominay’s fortunes changed dramatically with two crucial goals against Brentford.

Since then, he has started 13 of the last 14 matches, proving to be United’s standout performer.

In moments of triumph and adversity, McTominay stepped up. His goals on the field were pivotal, matched by his courage to address issues in the media.

When pressure mounted on Ten Hag after a dismal 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in November, McTominay publicly supported his manager.

Not only has he become a regular starter, but he also assumed the captain’s armband in the absence of Bruno Fernandes and the injured Harry Maguire.

Ten Hag praised McTominay’s commitment, stating, “‘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.

And that is an example. And the others can take that, and so they can build on him.”

This contrasts starkly with August and the looming possibility of McTominay joining West Ham. As he steps onto the pitch on Saturday, not as captain this time but in a red shirt nonetheless, another stellar performance would serve as a reminder to his manager of why retaining him was a stroke of luck.