Scott McTominay faces huge Manchester United challenge even if they don't sign Frenkie de Jong

By the time Erik ten Hag took charge of Manchester United, the fans were already well versed on how the Dutchman would want his side to play. Wingers staying wide, defenders playing out from the back and quick vertical passing to work the ball up the pitch and find the spaces.

Against Liverpool, the building blocks were already on display, especially in attack as United won 4-0. But against Melbourne Victory, they faced a completely different problem. The Australian side, facing superior opposition, decided to adopt a low-block and so United needed to adapt their gameplan.

And while you could see some of the principles that Ten Hag wanted from his side in the first half, such as retaining possession and building from the back, there were some issues. The team looked lethargic and unable to progress the ball effectively and this was mainly due to Scott McTominay.

ALSO READ: Nani confirms his role ahead of Manchester United fixture

United fans saw these issues last season when McTominay was playing as a lone defensive midfielder under Ralf Rangnick, but against Melbourne, he was playing in a two-man pivot as the more advanced of the duo. And though he wasn't tasked with picking the ball up from the defence consistently, his positioning was still causing problems.

McTominay has a tendency to put himself in positions where there is a player in between him and the person looking to make the pass, effectively nullifying him as an option. It seems simple but when a player is doing the opposition's job for them in terms of marking players out the game, it is like United are playing with 10 men in possession.

And this can't continue long term. United are hoping that Christian Eriksen and Frenkie de Jong will be significant