Scott McTominay is doing what Erik ten Hag wants after private Manchester United chat

In a season with plenty of gloom and drizzle, Scott McTominay has emerged as the unexpected breath of fresh air for Erik ten Hag.

His double against Chelsea puts him as Manchester United’s top scorer with six goals, having also netted twice for Scotland this term. McTominay has dismissed the rumour that he used to play as a striker in his youth but he has certainly shown his eye for goal this campaign.

His dramatic late double against Brentford seems to have been a turning point for the midfielder, who has now scored more Premier League goals (five) than all of United’s attackers combined (four).

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He has started every league and European match since and the last time he failed to complete a full 90 minutes was back on October 21. The academy graduate, who turns 27 tomorrow, has been allowed to operate in a way in which he thrives best.

This was shown in two halves against Manchester City. He was one of the players involved in the breakaway attacks of the first period before being totally bypassed in the second after being told to sit and protect.

His licence to enter the final third means he now has double the amount of goals he did last season. In Ten Hag’s first summer, it looked like McTominay was destined for the transfer list after a woeful 2021/22 season.

But with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata all leaving, United were short on midfield options and Ten Hag could not afford for him to be sold. He was by no means a main player in last season’s successes but it would be harsh to call McTominay’s campaign a failure.

He chalked up 39 games, winning 13 of the 16 matches he