Manchester United hero Dimitar Berbatov believes Scott McTominay deserves more opportunities in the first team.
The Scottish midfielder has often been a topic of debate among United fans, with many believing that they should move him on after seven years in the first team.
But McTominay has proven himself to be a valuable goalscoring option for boss Erik ten Hag this season, with his goals directly providing 11 Premier League points this season, including his latest strike to secure a late 2-1 win against fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa.
And former United striker, and Betfair ambassador, Berbatov says the midfielder deserves more credit.
“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 said.
“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.
“He makes great runs into the box to score goals. Of course, in his case, he’s going to like to play more. I think Scott can start games, but it’s down to the manager.
“If we judge Scott on the goal contributions, he deserves to get more minutes. I’d think he’d like to stay at United, but it’s down to the player to say what he wants.”
United’s recent upturn in form has coincided with Rasmus Hojlund finding his goalscoring touch, having netted in four straight Premier League games, and Berbatov is confident that he can keep scoring.
“I’m happy for him. He’s very young and has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as a striker for United. Right now, everything is finally going well for him. I hope that continues,” said Berbatov.
“His first Premier League goal was crucial and we saw the emotion pouring out of him. After that the other goals have followed. His confidence has grown and grown after every goal he’s scored.
“His goal against Aston Villa showed how great his positioning was. When you have set-pieces, the striker needs to position themself to know and anticipate where the ball is going to drop.
“So for me, his goal against Villa was an ugly goal, but it was important. Keep scoring, man!”
United are unbeaten in their last six games, winning four in a row and looking ahead to a kind run of games before a titanic Manchester derby in March.
Embed from Getty ImagesBerbatov, a former Premier League winner with United, also believes the club are on the right path again following a disappointing first-half of the campaign.
“It feels like Man United have turned a corner,” believes Berbatov
“United have had good performances and put points on the board, which gives you a boost and you get the momentum going. The mood around the training ground will be great.
“United are going through a great spell and I hope it continues.”
