13 February 2024 , 05:30
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Scott McTominay has been lauded for championing the right mentality after salvaging his Manchester United career.
The Scottish midfielder, 27, has enjoyed a fine season and was once again influential from the bench in Sunday's 2-1 win over Aston Villa, heading home the winning goal after replacing Marcus Rashford midway through the second-half.
There was interest in McTominay's services back in the summer from West Ham, although a £30million proposal was rejected. It seemed, though, as if Erik ten Hag was more than happy to allow the United academy graduate to move on despite rebuffing said bid.
But McTominay has been invaluable to the Dutchman since staying put, plundering seven goals in 21 Premier League appearances including a number of important late strikes. And his latest has even earned him some lofty praise from Diogo Dalot.
“I think every time he comes on the pitch, he has that mentality of trying to score goals and trying to help the team,” the right-back said after Sunday's win, which keeps United in contention for a top-four finish.
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“We need this type of mentality at this club and I think he is the perfect person to show this season that even coming from the bench, he always has a good impact.”
Although he looked destined to be sold for most of the summer transfer window, McTominay has persevered in recent months and managed to re-establish himself as a key part of United's squad.
Join the debate! What have you made of McTominay this season, Man Utd fans? Let us know here.
McTominay was praised by Diogo Dalot after scoring the winner against Aston Villa on Sunday (Getty Images)And in a weird twist of fate, McTominay has been Ten Hag's saving grace on more than one occasion after pressure grew on the Dutchman as a result of the club's worst start to a season for decades.
It was reported back in November that Ten Hag had changed his mind on McTominay, who was subsequently not made available for transfer in January window. And it's even been reported since that McTominay, whose current deal expires in 2025, could be offered a new contract.
Ten Hag's comments post-match on Sunday, where he hailed McTominay as an example to his teammates, underlines that the midfielder has fully won him round. He said: "There are not many players who can come from the bench and bring this energy and contribute to the team.
"Scott is an example for many other players, always giving the spirit and always doing the right things. He is ready for one minute or for minute 90, he is always ready. It is great to have such a player."
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