Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 2-1 on Sunday, led by Scott McTominay’s late goal, as the team continued to move up the Premier League standings.
Erik ten Hag’s United are five points behind fifth-place Villa, who would have moved up to fourth with a win, and are in sixth place with 41 points following their third straight victory. Six points separate United from fourth place and a Champions League berth for the following campaign.
With seven goals this season, McTominay is the league’s highest-scoring substitute. “Every game you win is massive for taking a step forward and confidence for the boys,” he told Sky Sports.
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“It is all positive, but it is important to keep doing it and to not get carried away when we do well. Now is the time to repeat it.”
Ten Hag stated that McTominay should be commended for his excellent attitude when filling in.
These days, a lot of players look up to him. The manager told the BBC that “there aren’t many players anymore who are ready for every minute they can be on the pitch.” “We’ve seen another example today. He is constantly prepared to step up and change things.”
In the 17th minute, Rasmus Højlund gave United the lead with his fifth goal in five straight league games and his 11th goal overall, heading in a header from close range that went through goalie Emi Martinez’s legs.
Up until Douglas Luiz tied the score in the 67th minute, United custodian André Onana made a number of incredible saves to keep Villa off the scoresheet.
Clément Lenglet was stopped by Onana with yet another incredible save, but Luiz was there to convert the rebound and celebrate by swaying his shoulder in front of Onana’s net.
However, United emerged victorious, as McTominay, a Scottish player, entered the game in the 73rd minute and scored the game-winning goal in the 86th, diving to head a brilliant cross from Diogo Dalot past Martinez.
A jubilant Ten Hag gave a celebratory punch to the air.
“I believe I can perform on the pitch as long as I’m in good health and shape. I just want to come in and try to do the best I can for this; I don’t take it personally. Long may it last “said McTominay.
“To be honest, it was a very fast-whipped cross that was amazing. All I needed was for it to land on my head and hit the mark. To the boys, full credit, we made a number of good opportunities that might go missed.”
Villa possessed 55.9% of the play and had 10 shots on goal compared to United’s five.
“Great spirit and fight to come back and Scott is the match-winner again,” Maguire told Sky Sports. Although it’s a wonderful feeling, we would prefer to simplify things a little for ourselves.
“Scott has significantly improved our team’s performance this season by entering multiple games. We had to work hard in the second half, and I believe that we ultimately earned the victory.”
Unai Emery, the manager of Villa, expressed his difficulty in accepting the outcome.
However, that is football, he remarked. “We played like we planned and we deserved more.”
