Scott McTominay came on to save the day with two goals in stoppage time against Brentford on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag has overlooked McTominay at times this season, but the midfielder provided heroics in his 10-minute cameo appearance.
As a result, McTominay has been selected in Garth Crooks’ Premier League team of the week.
Crooks said via BBC Sport: “I don’t normally select a player for my team who has only been on the pitch for 10 minutes, but when you have such a significant impact on a game it would be rude not to.
“Two goals scored and one disallowed by Scott McTominay turned what was rapidly turning into a nightmare for manager Erik ten Hag into something of a massive relief.”
United needed a psychological boost after an abysmal start to the 2023/24 season. Hopefully, the 2-1 win over Brentford gives us that and we kick on from here.
There is a worry that Saturday’s result just papers over the cracks in the team. I can see why people would think that, but I’m trying to look at the positives such as players returning from injury after the international break.
Premier League team of the week: Vicario, Saliba, Romero, Van de Ven; Harrison, McTominay, Rice, Willian; Salah, Isak, Sterling.
Crooks questions Onana
In the same column, Crooks focused negatively on United’s new goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The 27-year-old has had a rocky start to life at Old Trafford and Crooks believes he isn’t anywhere near as good as Peter Schmichel or David de Gea.
He added: “Since the arrival of the Manchester United keeper, he’s been either smashing into centre-forwards, letting the ball slip through his fingers, or, as was the case against Brentford, beaten by a shot a schoolboy would have been expected to save.”
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