Scott McTominay shines as Manchester United thrash Leeds 6-2 at Old Trafford

Scottish international Scott McTominay bagged his first two goals of the Premier League season as Leeds United were embarrassed 6-2 on their first visit to Old Trafford in almost 11 years.

The academy graduate opened the scoring in the second minute after firing home from 25 yards, latching onto Bruno Fernandes’ pass and leaving ‘keeper Meslier rooted to the spot.

A mere 60 seconds later, the Scotsman doubled United’s advantage, taking Anthony Martial’s through ball in his stride and finishing brilliantly across goal with his weak foot.

The midfielder broke into Jose Mourinho’s side which finished second in the 2017/18 Premier League season. His ‘big-game player’ label has been growing rapidly from impressive performances on European nights against sides such as PSG and Barcelona.

Former Manchester United captain and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville compared McTominay to Roy Keane after his quickfire double.

“Scott McTominay’s turned into Paul Scholes and Roy Keane inside three minutes. He’s driving forward, I’m not sure whether that’s in the tactics or if he just fancied it, but he’s gone and Martial comes inside, sees him running and he’s off.”

Keane surprisingly approved of the comparison, telling Sky Sports, “Scott McTominay is maturing. I even like his haircut. It was the perfect game for him. I do like the look of him.”

The midfielder is the first player in Premier League history to score twice in the first three minutes of a match, according to Opta.

A top-class performance from Scott was topped off with a superb assist to Daniel James, extending United’s lead to 5-1 at the time. His precise ball found the Welshman, who took one touch and slotted the ball between Meslier’s legs.

Sky Sports awarded McTominay with the Man of the Match award before he went off with a suspected groin injury in the final minutes of the encounter.

Scott McTominay’s game by numbers vs. Leeds United:

86% pass accuracy
7 ball recoveries
5 clearances
3 chances created
3 shots
2 fouls won
2 goals
1 assist

Unbelievable. ??? pic.twitter.com/I0tARXceHL

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 20, 2020

The MOTM was asked by BBC Sport for his take on United rising to third in the Premier League thanks to the victory, and said: “We don’t look at the table, we have no time for looking.”

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for the 24-year-old, telling The Athletic: “He’s a physical monster. He does all his work every day. Never shirks anything and he gets his rewards. Technical work is improving too. That energy and drive in a derby like this was important.”

The Red Devils now sit pretty in third place with a game in hand to follow away at Turf Moor against Burnley. Their next league fixture is a six-pointer, on the road facing second place Leicester City on Boxing Day.

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