07 December 2023 , 07:44
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Scott McTominay’s sensational double lifted the pressure on Erik ten Hag as Manchester United climbed to sixth in the Premier League table.
And Ten Hag admitted he had been desperate to send a ‘message’ to United fans after stories emerged of dressing-room unrest.
The United boss said: “We deserved this. We wanted to send this message to the crowd but this is also our style. In the first 30 minutes we did it perfectly on the pitch. We have steps to make. We are going in the right direction. This team will be good and this project will be good.
"You need to be at your best. When you are not, you get killed. We know that and we need the right attitude every game."
And Ten Hag paid tribute to McTominay, saying: "He did great. He is a very good player. He stopped Chelsea with Antony. In possession he was very dynamic. He scored two and could have had more."
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But McTominay’s heroics means Mauricio Pochettino ’s mediocre start as Chelsea boss continues after his sixth Premier League defeat of the season. And some visiting supporters BOOED the Chelsea players who went over to applaud them after the final whistle.
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Scott McTominay salutes the Old Trafford crowd (Getty Images)Pochettino admitted: “The other team deserved the victory. They showed massive energy. It's a time that is really competitive and we need players to help and provide a solution to increase our level."
Bruno Fernandes had already seen a penalty saved by Robert Sanchez before McTominay fired in a 19th minute opener at Old Trafford. United missed a string of chances to extend their lead and ex-Manchester City man Cole Palmer made them pay just before half-time.
But McTominay powered in a winning header from an Alejandro Garnacho cross midway through the second half. Ten Hag had wielded the axe ahead of United’s ninth Premier League win of the season, leaving Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford on the bench.
The win means that United are now only three points behind Manchester City and face Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday.