Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag credits Scott McTominay's training role for substitute goals

Erik ten Hag lavished praise on Scott McTominay after his latest matchwinning exploits for Manchester United.

McTominay came off the bench to score for the fourth time this season with what was his third winning goal of the campaign for United, who secured a vital 2-1 win at Aston Villa.

Ten Hag turned to McTominay in the 4-3 victory at Wolves at the start of the month and the Scot nodded in from a corner to restore United's two-goal lead but he went one better to claim the decisive goal at Villa Park.

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"Last season as well," Ten Hag stressed when asked about McTominay's matchwinning contribution. "He is an example for many other players. There are not many players who can come from the bench and bring this energy.

"He is ready for every minute, always contributing to the team and football is a team sport - we forget that often. Scott is the example, always giving the spirit.

"In the week when he is training in opposition, doing the right things, working on himself, give max. He is ready for one minute, he is ready for 90 minutes. It is great to always have such a player."

United are still sixth and now only five points behind Villa, who have lost their last three home games. McTominay's winner also clinched a first four-game winning run for United this term and Ten Hag is optimistic they will continue to climb up the Premier League table.

"We have to catch up and we know already a long time we put ourselves in the situation but the prize is always divided by the end of the season," he added. "We are in February, many games to play but we are returning but still a long way to go and we have to improve our