Richard Keys has £40m Manchester United transfer deadline day theory after Erik ten Hag decision

Richard Keys has heaped praise on Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay after his late winner in the 2-1 Premier League win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

The midfielder has been a constant figure for Erik ten Hag's side this season despite nearly coming close to leaving the club in the summer. West Ham United had a bid rejected for the academy graduate after he was made available.

McTominay has since earned plenty of plaudits for his performances for United this season. The Scotland star has popped up with a number of vital goals, including a late double against Brentford, two in the win against Chelsea and Sunday's winner at Villa.

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His contract at Old Trafford isn't expected to expire until 2025 meaning the club are expected to reassess his long-term future in the summer.

And following Sunday's dramatic winner, a goal that could prove vital in the Reds' race for Champions League football, Keys has praised the midfielder. Writing on his blog, he wrote: "Isn’t it funny how life can work out? I’ll tell you this for a fact - if David Moyes had said ‘yes’ - McTominay would be at West Ham now.

"Moyes chased him all last summer, but couldn’t agree a fee with United. They wanted £40m for McTominay - Moyes offered £30m. Because he got frustrated, Moyes went shopping elsewhere - only for United to offer the player for £30m on deadline day. By then it was too late. Ten Hag must be a very happy man that once again fate has served him well."

It's fair to say that Ten Hag is more than happy with McTominay's contribution this season. "He's an