Michael Owen has lavished praise on Scott McTominay for his performance in Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday (February 11).
The Scottish midfielder started on the bench for the Red Devils in their Premier League fixture against Unai Emery’s side at Villa Park. Rasmus Hojlund found the back of the net in the 17th minute after latching onto Harry Maguire’s attempted header from a corner set-piece.
Douglas Luiz scored the equalizer for Villa in the second half and McTominay was subbed on for Marcus Rashford minutes later in what seemed to be a defensive tactical change.
However, the Scotland international turned out to be the hero on the night as he headed in a dangerous cross from Diogo Dalot in the 86th minute, securing all three points for Manchester United.
Speaking to Premier League Productions after the match, Owen said (via HITC):
“He has got attributes that you can’t really teach. 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.”
The former Liverpool striker added:
“With his size and knack of scoring goals, you can only ignore that for so long. Okay, he might not get ahead of Bruno or Casemiro, at the moment. 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.”
McTominay has registered 28 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag explains Luke Shaw’s half-time substitution in Aston Villa win
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Luke Shaw was taken off at half-time against Aston Villa as a precautionary measure.
The English left-back missed 16 games for the Red Devils at the start of the campaign due to a muscle injury. He subsequently suffered a spell on the sidelines at the end of December as well, returning to action in Manchester United’s FA Cup win against Newport County last month.
Shaw was replaced by Victor Lindelof at the break, causing worry that the England international could be out injured again. After the match, Ten Hag explained his decision in an interview with MUTV and said:
“It was a precaution. He mentioned some complaints and we can’t take a risk, especially not with Luke Shaw because he has had many injuries in the past.”
The former Ajax boss added:
“We took him off so that it did not become an injury. We have to see how it develops in the coming days.”
Thank You!