Back in January, Ralf Rangnick said that Scott McTominay had the makings of a future Manchester United captain. But, after the Scotland international’s dreadful performance against Brighton on Saturday, the 63-year-old currently looks wrong. It was a chastening day at the office for everybody involved with the Red Devils and the crushing loss means their season is primed to end on a low note.
United were outran and outplayed by Brighton, who scored four times without reply to claim all three points.
Moises Caicedo put the hosts in front in the first-half, with his effort sailing past David De Gea and into the bottom corner.
And things didn’t get any better for United with further goals from Marc Cucurella, Pascal Gross and Leandro Trossard inflicting an 11th league defeat of the season.
There were many bad performers for the Red Devils on the day.
Raphael Varane looked terrified, Victor Lindelof was flat, Bruno Fernandes continued to regress and Anthony Elanga and Alex Telles couldn’t cope with the speed of the Brighton attack.
McTominay, however, was arguably the worst player in the pitch.
Man Utd news: Ralf Rangnick was unable to prevent Brighton Premier League defeat (Image: GETTY)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Earlier in the season, in January, Rangnick expressed a belief the 25-year-old had the makings of a future captain.
"He is an academy boy, his energy is amazing," he told BBC Sport after an FA Cup win over Aston Villa.
"He now also starts scoring goals and also with some leadership skills.
“I wouldn't be surprised if in a couple of years he would be the captain of this team."
However, the brutal truth of the matter is that McTominay shouldn’t even be a United starter.
He’s been getting into the team by default this term, with Fred better-suited to playing further ahead and Nemanja Matic waning as he prepares to leave.