'I don't take it personally' - Man Utd hero Scott McTominay addresses lack of regular starts under Erik ten Hag after scoring another vital late winner off the bench at Aston Villa

Manchester United star Scott McTominay says he doesn't take his lack of regular starts "personally" after his late winner against Aston Villa.

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WHAT HAPPENED?
Scottish international McTominay came off the bench to score an 86th-minute winner following goals from United's Rasmus Hojlund and Villa's Douglas Luiz. After the Red Devils' 2-1 win at Villa Park, the 27-year-old said he was unphased by his repeated cameo roles under Erik ten Hag as the midfielder just wants to do his best for the team.

WHAT SCOTT MCTOMINAY SAID
He told Sky Sports: "I feel like as long as I'm fit and healthy I can come onto the pitch and perform. I don't take it personally, I just want to come in and try and do the best I can for this. Long may it continue. It was an unbelievable cross to be fair, whipped with a lot of pace. I just needed it to hit my head and get it on target. Full credit to the boys, we created a lot of good chances which may go unnoticed. Every game you win is massive for taking a step forward and confidence for the boys. It is all positive but it is about repeating it and not getting too far ahead of ourselves when we win a few. We've got to repeat it now."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Although McTominay has started just 12 times in the Premier League this season, no player has scored more goals from the bench (four) in the English top-flight this term. The Scot has scored eight goals and bagged two assists in all competitions in 2023-24 and his contributions are certainly having a positive impact on United - who are just five points off fourth-placed Tottenham.

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DID YOU KNOW?
United's victory at Villa Park was their 40th in the Premier League over Villa (won 40, drawn 13, and lost five), equalling the record for most wins by a club against a single opponent. They have also beaten Everton 40 times in the Premier League era.
WHAT NEXT?
United, who have now won three Premier League games in a row, travel to lowly Luton Town next Sunday, before hosting mid-table Fulham the following weekend. They round off the month with an away trip to Nottingham Forest in round five of the FA Cup on February 28.

WHAT HAPPENED?