RALF RANGNICK singled out ‘exemplary’ Scott McTominay for his performance at Brentford.
The Scottish ace starred in the Manchester United midfield in West London before being replaced by Nemanja Matic for the final six minutes.
And interim boss Rangnick was quick to heap praise on the 25-year-old, labelling his display ‘contagious’.
The German said: “Scott McTominay was exemplary, a real leader and it was positively contagious to the other players.
“then we could get some counter-attacking situations, the second and third goals were really good with assists from Bruno Fernandes.
“He was not happy with his own decision to chip the ball. It would be more difficult for us it cope if it was 1-1 in that situation.
“The first half we were second best in almost all aspects of the game, sloppy passing, missing 50-50 situations and hardly won any second balls.
“We were nervous on the counter-attack and were lucky at half-time to have a draw.
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“A few great saves again from David De Gea and we showed a different face in the second half.
“We spoke about what we needed to do, raise our demands and standards with regards to our physicality but our wingers would have stayed wider to pin back their wing-backs.”
McTominay racked up 68 touches, 47 passes, 11 ball recoveries and six dribbles at the Brentford Community Stadium.
But it was goals from Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and sub Marcus Rashford that eventually saw off the impressive Bees, who grabbed a late consolation through Ivan Toney.
However, Rangnick will be hoping another aspect of the United win is not contagious, though, after Cristiano Ronaldo’s grumpy sulk when he was subbed off.
The Red Devils manager added: “Ronaldo said, ‘Why me, why did you take me off?’ I said I had to make the decision for the team, for the club.
“Maybe in a few years, when he is a coach, he will understand. I didn’t expect him to hug me after being subbed.
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“I know how goal-scoring players think and how they tick, but I have to make my decisions in the interest of the team. I have no issue whatsoever with Cristiano.
“I told him we were 2-0 up, and we have to learn lessons from Villa Park. After that game, I was angry with myself for not changing to a back five.
“I didn’t want to make the same mistakes again.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk