The Scotland international scored in each half to finally give the Red Devils a win over a top-half side this season
Scott McTominay doesn’t do things by half measures, he loves a double. Especially against sides from west London. Manchester United’s new-found goal-machine proved the difference and gave Erik ten Hag’s side a badly-needed win against Chelsea, their first against a big-name side all season.
Fired up after the dismal defeat by Newcastle and suggestions of a dressing room revolt against the manager, United came flying out of the blocks. Even a penalty miss by Bruno Fernandes didn’t disrupt their flow, and McTominay gave them a deserved lead, although Cole Palmer’s 45th-minute equaliser felt like a kick in the teeth.
United kept their composure and bossed the second half as McTominay stepped up again, aided by a pin-point cross from the outstanding Alejandro Garnacho, to score his second brace of the campaign after netting a double against Brentford earlier in the season
GOAL rates United’s players from Old Trafford…
ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Made a fine save from Jackson in the first half and couldn’t be blamed too much for Palmer’s goal, which went right in the bottom corner. His kicking was spot-on.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Benefitted from some strong support from Antony and linked up well with the Brazilian winger, but his final pass was poor.
Victor Lindelof (5/10):
Didn’t get tight enough on Palmer. Taken off at half-time.
Harry Maguire (8/10):
Another brilliant display, so sharp and so brave. His full-stretch tackle in the second half saved United and left him in pain, but he fought on.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
Picked up an early booking and was shifted to centre-back in the second half. Made some fine interceptions and showed his experience and intelligence.
Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat (6/10):
Still looks too slow for the Premier League and was not alert enough in the first half. Got better in the second, cutting out several Chelsea attacks with good anticipation.
Scott McTominay (7/10):
Was the pinball wizard for the opening goal then squandered two chances within a second and was too passive for Chelsea’s goal. But he would pounce again to snatch another vital win.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
His penalty was poor but he still gave a dominant performance.
Attack
Antony (7/10):
Very lively and had some good link-up play. Fought for every ball and was unselfish. A huge improvement.
Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):
Ran hard but created very little danger.
Alejandro Garnacho (8/10):
Always looked like being the architect of United’s next goal. Close to scoring it himself, but in the end served a perfect cross for McTominay.
Subs & Manager
Sergio Reguilon (7/10):
Made an outstanding tackle on Palmer and generally looked sharp.
Marcus Rashford (N/A):
Came on in the 84th minute
Jonny Evans (N/A):
Came on in added time.
Erik ten Hag (7/10):
Dropped Rashford from his line-up and his substitutions were very wise. Finally beat a top-six side this season, not withstanding Chelsea’s issues.