The Scottish midfielder played a crucial role in Manchester United’s resounding 5-1 win over Leeds United in the Premier League.
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Manchester United started the new Premier League season in sensational fashion, trouncing Leeds United 5-1 on Saturday. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was understandably delighted over the way the team played at Old Trafford against a tricky Leeds side. Bruno Fernandes scored an astonishing opening day hat-trick to cap off an action-packed contest. He was brilliantly supported by Paul Pogba, who provided four assists on a memorable Saturday evening as Solskjaer’s boys got the 2021-22 league season off to a magnificent start. Midfielder Scott Mctominay was at the top of the list of players who impressed the manager on Saturday.
“Scott running on, that was a big thing,” Solskjaer said after the match. “He’s not played more than 20 minutes this pre-season and that was at centre-back. It was one of those where we kept him under wraps because we knew this was a big game for him. Scott is a beast physically. He can run all day and now he’s a proper man out there. I thought he was excellent.”
Scott McTominay’s first half by numbers against Leeds:
◉ =Most touches (34)
◉ Most recoveries (5)
◉ =Most clearances (3)
◉ =Most tackles (2)
◉ =Most interceptions (1)Bossing the midfield. pic.twitter.com/OFvntFuBJN
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 14, 2021
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was happy with the result, but reminded his players that it’s only been “one game”. “You’ve got to say well done to everyone – from the crowd to the players to the staff this week, the coaches,” he added. “Everything’s been spot on and to get this result and performance on the first day gives you a massive boost. It’s just the mood. But it’s one game and we should always pat ourselves on the back and taste that sweet victory. Tomorrow, we’re back on track for the next one.”
“Sir Alex always used to say enjoy it and express yourself. You have to enjoy the privilege and the pressure of playing in front of 75,000 and millions on TV. I knew we would work hard but it was the fitness levels I wasn’t 100 per cent sure of. We could smile at the end!”
Mason Greenwood was a major threat throughout the match. He was rewarded for his hard work with a well-taken goal in the second half. Speaking about him, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said, “The way he burst away for that second goal. That’s a man compared to a boy that was in the first team two years ago. I’m delighted with what he has done in pre-season to get his fitness up.”
Pogba was one of the heroes of the day with four assists, and Solskjaer only had good words to describe him. “I’ve had a great relationship with Paul ever since he was a kid. Today was just about ‘go out there and enjoy yourself’ because he had 45 minutes against Everton, which wasn’t his best. We gave him the freedom of roaming wherever you want to go and get on the ball. I can’t remember the last time that happened [getting four assists in a single game] but Paul’s got that quality and, when you’ve got runners willing to make runs and create space for others, it opens up,” Ole stated.
“For me, this is the way I want to see my team play. Not just because it’s Leeds but I want to see them running, going forward, taking risks. We look fit to be fair and some of these players haven’t played for more than 45 minutes.”
