The activity on social networks does not stop, this video exposes Scott McTominay in a compromising way

There is a 10-second clip doing the rounds on social media that sheds light on Manchester United's midfield predicament. Kobbie Mainoo wins the ball back against Wigan before Scott McTominay fires a pass straight at the teenager and he is forced to track back and win it back again from their opponents.

If you search 'Mainoo McTominay' you will be greeted by a string of near identical posts of the clip, many of whom use it as a stick to beat the Scotland international and highlight why he can't be trusted in possession of the ball. What the footage shows is what Mainoo is good at and what McTominay struggles at. There is still value for both of them in the United squad, but they must be used appropriately if they are to have a long-term role to play.

Mainoo has been a breath of fresh air on the first team this season due to his calmness and composure on the ball. He is essentially everything that Erik ten Hag wants from a central midfielder, given his perfect balance of both technical and physical attributes. The academy graduate has done so well that he must now be considered a part of any 'Best XI' they field and even when they have a full-strength squad to choose from, he will be worthy of a regular starting place.

It isn't the same for the enigma of McTominay. He is technically limited in his ability to occupy a starting role on a regular basis, but he has immense physical attributes, a work rate, and an ethic that make him a key member of any United squad. What the viral video clip failed to point out is that 14 seconds after McTominay's loose pass, it was he who made a driving run into the box and neatly got a shot away that really should have given United the lead. He might lack finesse, but he makes up for it with raw power.

The most valuable player in years

The 27-year-old might not have developed quite as much as United would have liked since he broke through to the first team, but there is clearly a reason why he has been a valued figure under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and now Ten Hag. There are three very different managers with three very different philosphoies, yet McTominay has been included in all of them. This season, he has added goals to his game and he remains their joint top scorer across all competitions with six strikes in his 23 appearances so far. Oddly enough, Casemiro is the only player with a better goal-per-90 ratio in the squad right now.