United's top scorer Scott shows side has plenty still to give

UNITED are no longer the crisis club in Manchester.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

THE VERDICT: UNITED 2 CHELSEA 1

Erik ten Hag addressed the issues in his team and the United supporters were rewarded with a crowdpleasing performance.

This was the vibrant and spirited football from United that was completely absent at Newcastle. The scoreline flattered Chelsea, the poorest opponents at Old Trafford all season in the Premier League.

The Stretford End rocked to 'Ten Hag's red and white army' at full-time. Audible backing for the manager over some problem players. That was only interrupted by an announcement that City had lost at Aston Villa. Do not adjust your sets they trail City by three points in the league table.

In Scott McTominay, Ten Hag has unearthed an unlikely saviour. Available for transfer in the summer, McTominay has added six points to United's Premier League tally with six goals. United's goal difference is no longer in minus numbers.

For an academy graduate who appeared to be rumbled by the incumbent United manager, McTominay has now started eight of the last nine games and is top of their goalscoring chart. In hindsight, United were well within their rights to value him at more than the £30 million offer West Ham had rejected.

He was the man of the match and accepted the acclaim of the Stretford End as he conducted a full-time interview on the pitch.

McTominay epitomises this United: throwing caution to the wind and showing little caution. He has provided supporters with their hitherto highlight of their season with the rescue act against Brentford and his matchwinning exploits against Chelsea have staved off another crisis. Robert Sanchez faced five attempts from McTominay alone.