Take A Chance On Me

Manchester United possess a fine World Cup winning midfielder. His technique is excellent, and his long passing range is superb.

This is, of course, Paul Pogba. The Red Devils’ midfield and market value extraordinaire. But the Frenchman is currently being outshone by a lanky Scot from a quaint but dull Lancashire city.

Scott McTominay is unspectacular. He isn’t blessed with the same technical ability as some of his team mates. And you’d never really label him as a visionary player, able to spot passes and see the game unfolded in front of him.

But he is industrious and has worked hard to bed himself into this Manchester United side. He is now a competent competitor in one of the top leagues in the world at relatively a young age.

His rise into a first team regular at Old Trafford is an argument for taking a chance on youngsters.

It is clear that McTominay is not one of these prodigal talents that pretty much demand game time with their great ability. In many ways, the circumstances at United have been fortuitous towards him.

The overall quality of the squad has been relatively poor for a number of seasons, in particular his position of defensive midfield. Nemanja Matic’s - McTominay’s ‘senior’ rival - signing seemed solid enough at the time, but in hindsight it has become clear that this was a shrewd bit of business by Chelsea. The Serb’s abilities seem to be waning rapidly with age.

This has helped to facilitate McTominay’s jump into the first team squad. It is an opportunity he has certainly made the most of.

His initial appearances were somewhat underwhelming, and at times felt like they might be some kind of power-play from Jose Mourinho - a cry to the board that he needed more money.

But he has adapted to his surroundings, and been able to adjust to the standard of football in the Premier League. And perhaps this tells us something about giving young players a chance and time to adapt and succeed.

It is well known that professional football is played at a far higher intensity to youth football and under 23s matches. It is a jump for young players making that step up. But they are never going to make it if they are never given the chance.

Sometimes giving that chance will see the player fall flat on their faces. Sometimes it will involve a few mistakes, a few bumps and bruises. But this is what helps a player to learn and eventually adapt.

That is not to say that any youngster who shows a smidge of promise should be given a first team run. But what McTominay proves is that some youngsters are capable when given the time and patience to bed in and prove themselves at the top level.

There is always a risk factor involved but when a handy player is bred out of an academy rather than bought for millions, then the rewards are certainly great.