THE FLYING SCOTTSMAN
Early header from McTominay gives Solskjaer’
SCOTT McTOMINAY is turning into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s go-to guy when United need a fast start.
His two goals in the opening three minutes against Leeds set up an astonishing 6-2 win last month and the midfielder flew out of the blocks again against Watford last night.
His fifth-minute header put United in early control against Championship Watford – but it was far from an easy ride for Solskjaer’s stars.
McTominay might not have the swagger of Paul Pogba or the talismanic allure of Bruno Fernandes.
But Solskjaer has an unshakeable faith and trust in the Scottish midfielder and he made the youngster captain for this third-round tie.
And with the majority of Solskjaer’s big names missing from the line-up, the United boss needed McTominay’s drive and determination against an awkward opponent.
Realistically, the FA Cup represents United’s best chance of silverware and even ardent fans recognise that, even if they are neck and neck with Liverpool in the title race.
Defensive frailties are an ongoing worry for Solskjaer (above) – and the United boss wasn’t helped as injuryprone Eric Bailly was helped off before half-time. And you could almost hear the groans of Solskjaer and his staff after Dean Henderson wiped out the defender with a knee to the side of the head attempting to clear danger. Bailly, who has only played 55 games in the last four seasons, stayed down and when United’s medical staff did help him to his feet he held his neck and looked groggy.
It meant Harry Maguire was forced into action when a rest would have been a better option with Liverpool looming. Predictably, Solskjaer rotated his squad, making nine changes from the side which lost to City.
It meant a rare start for Donny van de Beek and even an appearance by
Jesse Lingard who has only played 10 minutes of football all season.
Solskjaer had his big guns in reserv and in the end he needed them wit Marcus Rashford and Anthony Marti thrown on to try and kill off a brav Watford side.
That eventuality seemed unlike after McTominay lost his marker an headed an Alex Telles corner into th ground and over the grasp of Dani Bachmann.
It seemed a question of how man United might score but Watford, wit Ismaila Sarr, Nathaniel Chalobah an Joao Pedro a handful, made it a battl
United caused their own problem with misplaced passes and patchy pla as Watford, sitting sixth in th Championship, put in a real shift. N
surprisingly, the Hornets arrived at Old Trafford with a different manager from their last visit 11 months ago.
And although they rested six of their stars including Troy Deeney and former United star Tom Cleverley they did new boss Xisco Munoz proud.
After going ahead, Bailly should have hit the target again from another Telles corner but the ball went wide.
Watford felt they deserved a penalty after 32 minutes as Sarr’s shot ricocheted off Axel Tuanzebe and on to Bailly’s arm, but referee Andrew Madley waved play on.
United should have put the game out of Watford’s reach just before half-time in a rare moment of cohesion from United’s attack.
Mason Greenwood fed Van de Beek who played a delightful flick into the path of Juan Mata.
The Spaniard only had Bachmann to beat but produced a weak shot.
United pressed for a second goal but Watford remained in the game right to the end.
Liverpool will hardly be quaking.