Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has shared insights into what manager Erik ten Hag conveyed to him prior to his match-winning performance against Brentford.
In an exciting match at Old Trafford on Saturday, the Red Devils secured a 2-1 victory, despite trailing for a significant part of the game. Mathias Jensen provided the Bees with the lead in the first half, and the visitors adopted a deep defensive stance to frustrate their hosts.
During the second half, Manchester United faced resilience from Brentford, with Ten Hag utilizing all five available substitutions in an attempt to break through the sturdy defense.
McTominay entered the game in the 87th minute, replacing Sofyan Amrabat, and made an immediate impact by scoring two crucial goals during six minutes of added time, sealing a remarkable turnaround for his team.
In a post-match interview with PLP, McTominay was asked about the instructions given to him by Ten Hag before taking the field. He humorously remarked, “It was very loud, the fans were roaring us on, so I couldn’t hear fully. He probably said something like: ‘Go on and score,’ which is precisely what I did.”
Ten Hag playfully confirmed in his own press conference that he had indeed told McTominay to score two goals.
McTominay’s first goal involved a quick turn and shot from approximately 12 yards after Thomas Strakosha had parried away Diogo Dalot’s initial attempt. He sealed the victory by heading in a long free-kick into the Brentford box, flicked on by Harry Maguire.
Regarding the equalizer, McTominay commented, “When the ball dropped to me, it was at an awkward height, and I didn’t think I could get my leg there, control it, and score. As I said, we wanted to get into their box more as the game went on. But they are a really good team, defended well, and are dangerous on the counter-attack. Eventually, we got the goals.”
Reflecting on his winning goal, McTominay emphasized his determination: “No nerves. Just never give up no matter the situation. At this football club, it is demanded that you never throw in the towel. For me, I have been brought up here since I was five, I know that better than anyone.”