Ander Herrera stated his belief that Scott McTominay will fill the void left by Michael Carrick in the Manchester United midfield. It’s a near certainty that United will prioritize pursuing a holding midfielder this summer transfer window, to replace the retiring Carrick, the 36-year-old club captain who, will end his playing career, and then transition to a spot on Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff.
Carrick, who has been at Old Trafford for a dozen years, is the only English player alongside Wayne Rooney to win the Premier League title, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, League Cup, FA Community Shield, UEFA Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup. He’s also claimed every domestic honor in the English game.
“I have no words to describe him,” Herrera described Carrick in United’s official match day magazine. (Herrera also told United Review that he will turn down any chance to leave the club this season, as he expressed his desire to stay put long term)
“I feel a little bit embarrassed to talk about him because he is simply a legend.”
Herrera believes 21-year-old Scott McTominay, who has established himself in the senior team only this season, can step up and fill the void left by the imminent departure of Carrick. McTominay has developed into a regular first team contender this season; even getting selected over Paul Pogba on occasion.
“He’s going to be a good player for the club. He’s a team player and he can help in any position you put him,” said Herrera of McTominay.
“You saw against Chelsea he was a little more defensive and almost doing the job I did against Hazard last season, not exactly the same but similar. He can be more offensive as well and he presses a lot.”
Herrera admits that his club will be looking to add midfielders this summer transfer window.
“We know we’re not going to have Michael Carrick after this season so we need to add more midfielders to the team and I think Scott is really ready to play in the Premier League and help the team.”
“As we say in Spanish, he has his ears open to listen and to learn because he wants a long career at this club and he has the qualities to do it.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune corporation blogging community Chicago Now.
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