Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to build his new-look Manchester United side around young midfielder Scott McTominay.
McTominay was one of few United players to emerge with credit from Sunday's abject 1-1 draw at relegated Huddersfield , which consigned Solskjaer's side to the Europa League next season.
The 22-year-old Scotland star scored for United and played with industry and purpose throughout, while the rest of Solskjaer's players failed to match his desire and work-rate.
McTominay, who made his first-team debut two years ago, was hailed as United's player of the season a year ago by former boss Jose Mourinho and his since gone from strength to strength.
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Although United are in the market for at least one new midfielder this summer, with Ander Herrera leaving and Paul Pogba pushing for a move to Real Madrid , Solskjaer sees McTominay as an automatic starter next season and a key figure in his rebuilding project.
McTominay's progress was rewarded with a new deal in January until 2023, with the option of a further year, and Solskjaer has been impressed with the way he has performed in a difficult season.
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Although McTominay was not part of Solskjaer's first-choice midfield trio when he first took over in December, the United academy graduate has come to the fore towards the end of the season.
Solskjaer has been impressed with McTominay's reading of the game, passing range, attitude and commitment, which he feels many of his more established players would do well to emulate.
McTominay's goal at Huddersfield means he has scored more than Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Romelu Lukaku, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez combined in United's last eight games.
Solskjaer has already likened McTominay to former United and Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher, who also came through the ranks of the club, enjoying a glittering 12-year career there.
