Scott McTominay’s ‘fantastic finish’ during Manchester United’s 2-1 comeback win over Brentford has received the seal of approval from one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever centre-forwards.
Ian Wright, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, knows a thing or two about sticking the ball in the back of the net.
And, in the midst of a penalty area more crowded than London traffic on Christmas eve, Wright feels that Scott McTominay deserves immense credit for pulling off a finish dripping with class and composure when Manchester United needed him the most.
McTominay brilliantly controlled a high ball and slotted into the corner following from excellent work from Alejandro Garnacho in the build up. Just four minutes later, and with the clock nearing 100, the Scot did it again, powering a fierce header past Tomas Strakosha and sending Old Trafford into raptures.
“It was the last throw of the dice for Man United when he came on,” former Arsenal and Crystal Palace striker Wright says.
“Obviously, he was told ‘get straight up in the box’. Man United went a lot more direct. This (first goal) is a fantastic finish, for me. He does fantastically well. Just top quality. Fantastic reactions in the box.”
A prolific goalscorer at international level with Scotland, this could be a turning point both for McTominay and Manchester United as a whole. There is still a nagging feeling that the Carrington graduate has been a little mis-used by Erik ten Hag at times, forced into an ill-fitting deep-lying role which limits his box-crashing abilities.
“I said score two goals,” Ten Hag quips, speaking to the BBC.
“He is Manchester United in his heart. He is playing for the badge and gives his life. When you are coming on and giving this to the team, it tells a lot.”
“Every player has a price. But he has a big value; sporting and also economic. I want to have a player like Scott McTominay in the squad.
“He is Manchester United in every way. In every minute, he will fight for the match. Those players you need.”
