There may have been some skepticism when Erik ten Hag chose to substitute Scott McTominay for Marcus Rashford with Manchester United tied with Aston Villa on Sunday.
But the 27-year-old turned out to be a match winner for United after scoring in the 86th minute, ensuring three crucial points for his team.
Michael Owen praised McTominay for his performance and claimed that ten Hag has a decision to make whether to start the Scottish midfielder or keep bringing him on off the bench.
That’s another winning goal from the underdog McTominay, who is now making a statement to the rest of his colleagues.
“He has got attributes that you can’t really teach,” Owen told Premier League Productions.
“His fitness levels, his size, his strength and the way he marauds forward.
“It’s a fascinating conundrum because he has almost burst into my mind now and I am thinking ‘wow, you have to find a place for this type of player’. I never had him down by this type of player before, this real marauding midfielder.
“But if he keeps on doing what he is doing, then you are going to have to find a role in the team for that type of player, if he keeps improving, then he can be absolutely anything.”
United are now only six points behind a Champions League spot with the Red Devils constantly closing the gap on Villa and Tottenham.
United were having a season to forget but since the start of this year, the club’s form has completely changed and it looks like the players can salvage something from this season.
A top four finish in the league and success in the FA Cup would end up being a successful season as it stands.
