07 December 2023 , 08:01
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Scott McTominay believes a new lighter training approach was the key to Manchester United's impressive 2-1 win over Chelsea on Wednesday night.
McTominay, 26, was one of the standout performers in United's best display of the season and scored both goals to down the beleaguered Blues. And his match-winning performance could hardly have come at a better time for Erik ten Hag, who had come under immense pressure in the build-up to the match.
Mirror Football exclusively revealed earlier this week how several members of the United dressing room have become disillusioned with the Dutchman, who has also been criticised for his intense training approach. McTominay, though, had nothing but praise for Ten Hag after the Chelsea match and revealed training had been changed.
When he was asked what was the key to United's improved mentality against the Blues, McTominay said: “Obviously the manager, to be honest with you. The way that we’ve approached the game, a lot of light training sessions to keep energy, to keep fresh, and to keep going for the next game – because obviously they come really thick and fast. But for us it’s a night that we should be happy with, and one that we can build on.”
He went on to add: “We started really, really well in the game and obviously the fans are really happy with the way we started and reacted after a pretty abysmal display against Newcastle, to be honest.
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“All the boys were so upset with how we coped with that game, it wasn’t anywhere near good enough, and to come here and win tonight was a plus and it’s something we can build on.”
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Scott McTominay praised Erik ten Hag after Manchester United's 2-1 win over Chelsea (Manchester United FC)McTominay was almost sold by Manchester United in the summer but has gone on to play an influential role this season. His brace against Chelsea means he is now the club's leading scorer with six goals in all competitions.
Unsurprisingly, Ten Hag lauded United's match-winner during his chat with club media after the game. He told the United website: “I think they [McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat] played very strong, very dynamic, very proactive, in and out of possession. They won a lot of duels together. Scott came in the right positions and scored two great goals.
“We want him to play a little bit higher on the pitch. We want to reach him there. He has to make his runs in behind as he is strong on that. He has a good smell to come in the right moment in front of the goal. He is a very good finisher.”