'It's about belief and this team today believed they could win'

UNITED wanted to maximise Alejandro Garnacho's threat on the inside as part of their tactical reshuffle that contributed to Scott McTominay's winning goal against Aston Villa, boss Erik ten Hag said.

-  SAMUEL LUCKHURST

McTominay replaced Marcus Rashford in the 73rd minute and rose to nod in the winning goal 13 minutes later and secure United's fourth successive win.

The choice of midfielder to replace a winger potentially signalled a pragmatic shift from Ten Hag but McTominay played behind striker Rasmus Hojlund as Bruno Fernandes moved to the right-hand side and Garnacho switched to the left wing. "Alejandro from the right was playing a lot inside, which was part of our plan," United manager Erik ten Hag explained.

"So Bruno can do that role very good, it fits to his abilities. He can also do the defending work, we know he has a good partnership with Diogo and Kobbie as well.

"With Scott, you bring fresh legs, energy in the pressing, in the defending part but one who can mark the box and score a goal!" United's victory marked their first away win at a top-eight Premier League team since October 2021.

United are already two away wins shy of the eight they totalled last season though the manner of their triumph at Villa was fortuitous.