TOO SCOTT TO HANDLE
McTOMINAY’S DOUBLE-QUICK START SETS UP BIG UNITED VICTORY OVER OLD RIVALS LEEDS
OLE GUNNAR Solskjaer hailed Manchester United’s ‘physical monster’ Scott McTominay after his two goals in the first three minutes set the hosts on their way to a thumping 6-2 win over Leeds.
It was a stunning reunion with bitter rivals Leeds as United scored six in a home Premier League match for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Solskjaer, who came on as a substitute in the last league meeting of these old foes in February 2004, masterminded a memorable victory when they renewed hostilities at an empty Old Trafford, as the Reds surged up to third in the table.
This match was a throwback to yesteryear, with both teams cavalier from start to finish. And United were 2-0 up with the match hardly under way.
McTominay fired them in front after 67 seconds with a thumping low drive. And almost straight away, he latched on to a smart Anthony Martial pass and finished in style.
Patrick Bamford had an effort for Leeds ruled out for offside, and the visitors were 3-0 down when Fernandes lashed home after good work from Fred.
It was becoming something of an embarrassment for Leeds. Luke Shaw’s set-piece was flicked on by Martial, with Victor Lindelof making it 4-0. Just before half-time, Liam Cooper headed home for Leeds. Truly, a madcap afternoon.
And there was no respite in the second half. Those members of BBC staff cutting together ten minutes of highlights for Match of the Day 2 last night certainly had their work cut out.
After the break, Martial shot just wide for the hosts, while David De Gea saved well from Leeds star Raphinha.
Daniel James broke clear to make it 5-1 to United, and when Pascal Struijk brought down Martial, Fernandes slotted home his penalty. Leeds had been hit for six. A stunning effort from Stuart Dallas for Leeds completed the scoring.
Solskjaer told the BBC: ‘We’ve been criticised for our starts but the boys were prepared. We’ve approached the game really well. We’ve looked at videos and looked at ways to exploit them.
‘Scott [McTominay] used to be a striker as a kid. He is a physical monster – he can win in the air, wins tackles, but he’s so strong and quick as well. He just ran into space we hoped he would get and it was good work by the other players to create the space and good finishes.’