Scott McTominay has been the matchwinner for Manchester United on more than one occasion this season and the Scotland international was at it again this evening when he nodded in the winning goal at Villa Park.
McTominay, introduced as a second-half substitute, charged into the Villa area and powerfully met Diogo Dalot’s cross in the 86th minute, giving Emiliano Martinez no hope of keeping his side in the game.
The midfielder has now scored four goals as a substitute in the Premier League this season, which is more than any other player in the division.
Speaking after the game, the 27-year-old made sure to praise the two center-backs for their performances before commenting on his magical cameo.
“We started really well, but they are a really good team and came back into it and caused us problems,” McTominay is quoted as saying by the BBC.
“The guys at the back were immense, particularly Harry [Maguire] and Raphael [Varane]. It was a top-level performance and a deserved win in the end.
“I feel like as long as I’m fit and healthy I can come onto the pitch and perform. I don’t take it personally, I just want to come in and try and do the best I can for this. Long may it continue.
“It was an unbelievable cross to be fair, whipped with a lot of pace. I just needed it to hit my head and get it on target. Full credit to the boys, we created a lot of good chances which may go unnoticed.
“Every game you win is massive for taking a step forward and confidence for the boys. It is all positive but it is about repeating it and not getting too far ahead of ourselves when we win a few. We’ve got to repeat it now.”
McTominay will not want to be known as the impact substitute player but he does offer something completely different when United are chasing games. He has not scored this many decisive goals by chance and he’s a tool Ten Hag knows exactly how to utilise.
Despite his heroics at Villa Park, it is unlikely that he will be able to claim a regular starting role ahead of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo but he is definitely making the most of the opportunities afforded to him.
