Manchester United: McTominay and Pereira have chance to give Solskjaer food for thought ahead of next season

With a number of Manchester United players heading for the exit door in the summer, Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira both have the chance to become regulars next season, but only if they can prove to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer they can be relied upon.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived at Manchester United as interim manager in December and was immediately tasked with improving the performances of his players. There is no doubt this has happened.

The joy, excitement and smiling face he brought to the club had a major impact on players’ such as Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera.

But how would the fringe players fare? It went so well straight away, Solskjaer hardly moved away from his consistent starting XI. And other than an early FA Cup tie against Reading, only injuries opened the door for the likes of Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira.

It wasn’t a great start for either of them, although, they soon found their feet. A below par display against Reading meant they were often overlooked for some time. However, injuries spread like the plague and in they came.

From boys to men

Of all games to start, McTominay’s next was against arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. Pereira effectively started the match too, coming on for the injured Ander Herrera in the 21st minute.

Pereira kicked on, registering a goal and an assist against Southampton. His goal was a wonderful strike, providing a glimpse of the natural ability the Brazilian possesses. He also completed 80 per cent of his passes, registering the joint most key passes and crosses into the box.

McTominay’s standout display was obviously against PSG in the Parc des Princes.

With Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrea and Paul Pogba all absent, it seemed impossible that Manchester United would be able to turn around a two-goal deficit from the first leg. How would United’s second string midfield cope with the likes of Marco Veratti, Julian Draxler and Angel Di Maria?

Well, McTominay dominated the middle of the park. The Scot completed 100 per cent of his passes in the final third with a 96.2 per cent pass accuracy overall. He recovered the ball on four occasions and won five tackles.

Let the lads showcase themselves

With Ander Herrera and Juan Mata potentially leaving, both Pereira and McTominay have a golden opportunity to show their worth to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It is likely that irrespective of how well they perform, the Norwegian will still want to strengthen in the midfield area in the summer.

It’s more about proving they are capable to be called upon rather than proving they should be starting 40 games a season, though.

Opportunities will come now. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it abundantly clear that he is keen to honour the clubs traditions. But both players want to be given minutes on merit and not just to tick a box or keep the fans happy – something which was often the case under previous management.

If Ander Herrera and Juan Mata are no longer going to be at the club next season then my message to Solskjaer is to think long-term. Yes, it would also make sense to utilise both Spaniards in order to ensure United get top four. But taking a risk and giving McTominay and Pereira playing time to showcase themselves would prove more beneficial down the line.

Both players are young, both have graduated through the clubs academy and both have the potential platform over the next few weeks to solidify a regular place in next seasons squad.