Scott McTominay was the hero of the night for Manchester United on Wednesday, scoring a brace on either side of half-time to down Chelsea. But the Red Devils midfielder has been snubbed by Paul Scholes, who believes one of his team-mates was the best player on the pitch.
McTominay is United’s top goalscorer with six strikes this season, finding the net every 180 minutes.
Erik ten Hag is using the 26-year-old in a more advanced role than he has played since his senior breakthrough under Jose Mourinho.
And he was rewarded for sticking with McTominay against Chelsea despite a below-par performance in the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United last Saturday.
McTominay was named the official Player of the Match for guiding United to a sixth victory in eight Premier League games.
However, Scholes singled out another of Ten Hag’s players, Alejandro Garnacho, for praise after a bold team selection paid off at Old Trafford.
“I thought Garnacho was excellent. I thought he was probably the best player on the pitch,” Scholes told Premier League Productions.
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“I know Scott scored two goals and got player of the match, but I thought Garnacho was excellent, and he went up another level tonight.”
Garnacho started an eighth consecutive game on the left wing against Chelsea, having repaid Ten Hag’s faith with strong performances in recent weeks.
The 19-year-old winger had been pushing Marcus Rashford out to the right, and the latter dropped to the bench on Wednesday before his open-play goal drought extended to 14 games.
Garnacho justified Ten Hag’s decision, providing the assist for McTominay’s winning header with a pinpoint inswinging cross towards the back post from the left.
He took 69 touches, completed 32 passes, took eight shots, attempted five take-ons and created three chances on another productive outing.
The Argentina international will be confident of starting over Rashford on the left again when AFC Bournemouth visit Old Trafford on Saturday.
As will McTominay and a handful of other players who produced one of their best performances of the season against Chelsea.
Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw were effective at full-back; Sergio Reguilon was strong off the bench at half-time, too. Sofyan Amrabat produced his best display at United.
Meanwhile, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund may not have left with a direct goal contribution, but they showcased exactly what Ten Hag wants from his forwards.
