Scott McTominay emerged as an unlikely hero for Manchester United today, bagging a late brace to rescue the Red Devils from the jaws of defeat in Saturday’s pulsating 2-1 win over Brentford.
McTominay has been on the fringes this season, playing a secondary role to Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Hannibal Mejbri.
Despite his heroics for the Scottish national team, manager Erik ten Hag has often overlooked the Scotland international in his starting line-up.
That trend extended into the Brentford fixture, with McTominay starting the Old Trafford showdown against the Bees from the bench.
Off the back of a two-match losing streak, Man United welcomed Thomas Frank’s equally struggling side needing maximum points to uplift the mood at the Theatre of Dreams.
However, their weekend got off to another disappointing start as Mathias Jensen handed Brentford the lead against the run of play just before the half-hour mark.
For all their attacking endeavour, Man United lacked a spark and cutting edge to break down a resilient Brentford backline before the break.
The second half offered the Red Devils no reprieve, and it appeared they were heading for a third consecutive defeat in all competitions until McTominay’s introduction, which marked the turning point in the game.
After replacing Sofyan Amrabat in the 87th minute, McTominay wasted no time making his mark in the match, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble to fire home a last-gasp equaliser.
Within four minutes of netting the leveller, he struck again to snatch a late victory for Man United, heading past Thomas Strakosha to send the Old Trafford faithful into a frenzy.
After weeks of being ignored, McTominay has given Ten Hag plenty to think about after spearheading their comeback victory with a man-of-the-match performance.
Man United will head into the international break with a much-needed win, while a trip to Sheffield United awaits Ten Hag’s men when club football returns.
