Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag claims Scott McTominay’s game-winning cameo against Brentford on Saturday demonstrated the player has “everything in his heart” for the team.
McTominay came off the bench in the 87th minute to score two stoppage-time goals when United appeared to be headed for another disappointing result after Mathias Jensen had put Brentford ahead in the first half.
His first goal came only six minutes after he’d replaced Sofyan Amrabat, before popping up a second in the seventh minute of stoppage-time to send Old Trafford wild.
“He is Manchester United in his heart,” Ten Hag said. “He is playing for the badge and gives his life. When you are coming on and giving this to the team it tells a lot. Every player has a price – but he has a big value, sporting and also economic. I want to have a player like Scott McTominay in the squad.
“That is why he is here. He is one of our midfield players and he can make the boxes. You see against Burnley, he played, he should have played against Crystal Palace but he was ill and came out of the team. And then others took over. But, as everyone, he fights for his position but it helps when you contribute like this afternoon.”
McTominay has fallen further down the pecking order following the arrivals of Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount, but on Saturday, he took it upon himself to deliver victory for United. He has featured in only six of United’s 11 games this season.
The Scottish was close to leaving United in the summer, but the Red Devils and West Ham (who were interested in him) failed to agree on fee. The Hammers offered £30m, while United held out for a bid between £40m and £50m.
Mctominay is one of the current long-standing players at United. He made his senior debut for the club in May 2017 under Jose Mourinho . He has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for United, winning the EFL Cup.
