‘Very smart’: United midfielder lauded by Roy Keane for clever decision-making in Anfield stalemate

Manchester United Northern Irish defender #35 Jonny Evans (2L) and Manchester United's Scottish midfielder #39 Scott McTominay (C) jump to defend a corner during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 17, 2023. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Roy Keane, like all Manchester United fans, would’ve preferred if the side were heading back to M16 with all three points last night – but he was still impressed with what he saw. 

The Red Devils weren’t able to avenge March’s 7-0 humiliation on this season’s trip to face Liverpool, but they kept the game tied to a 0-0 stalemate and took something from the clash despite the odds being heavily stacked against them.

Before the game and when reflecting on last term’s heavy defeat, most fans would’ve taken your hand off for a draw. However, some would argue that yesterday’s game was there to be won, especially in the later stages when the home side appeared to be out of ideas and became incredibly wasteful with their chances.

The contest also marked a career-defining moment for Scott McTominay, who captained his boyhood club for the first time in a Premier League outing. A Carrington graduate leading the squad out of the tunnel at Anfield certainly made for proud viewing for supporters, even amidst many’s mixed opinions on the Scot.

Reds praise McTominay for clever pre-game move

He was later credited for one instance of clever decision-making prior to kick-off; after winning the coin toss, McTominay opted to swap the sides round and have Liverpool attack the Kop in the first half. After the interval, they were targeting a large segment of travelling United fans.

Gary Neville highlighted the switch on commentary, saying the captain had ‘bugged the locals’ by doing so, and Keane lauded McTominay for the ballsy move post-match.

“He has done well. He made a good start by winning the toss,” Keane said in the Sky Sports studio. “I think that was a very good move, very smart of him. He has had his critics, and the whole team have had their critics, but we have to give them credit today.”

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