Erik: We’ve Scott to believe – just like McTominay
ERIK TEN HAG urged Manchester United’s players to “believe” after Scott McTominay’s late winner floored Villa.
The midfielder, brought on as a substitute, powered home a header four minutes from time as the Red Devils closed the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham.
Douglas Luiz had cancelled out Rasmus Hojlund’s first-half strike before super Scot McTominay struck.
Defeat against Unai Emery’s men would have left United with 11 points to make up to the Champions League spots – but now the difference is just six.
And Dutchman ten Hag said: “We can beat any opponent – away or at home. We have to believe it more away from home.
“We could have won at Arsenal, at Liverpool – it’s about belief. This team believed it could win this game.”
Ten Hag also saluted matchwinner McTominay who jumped off the bench to meet Diogo Dalot’s right-wing cross in the dying stages.
He said: “Scott is great – he can score many goals – he’s done it this season and last season as well. He’s now an example for many others.
“Not many players can bring this to every minute of a game. He is always contributing.
“He’s doing the right things, giving the max. He’s ready for one minute and ready for 90.
“It’s great to have such a player.”
This triumph was Manchester United’s fourth in a row – the first time they have recorded such a run this season.
Ten Hag said: “This was massive for us. The aim was to get closer. That was our target and we’ve done it.
“It was such an open game – like a tennis match – it could have gone either way but we found the mentality and character to win.”
Disappointed Villa boss Emery felt his players should have been better rewarded.
He aid: “I’m proud of our work. Everything we planned we did on the pitch. We deserved more.
“We had the opportunity to put a big gap between us and them. We created more than them. Their keeper was fantastic. We weren’t clinical. They were.
“It’s one of the best matches we have played since I arrived at the club. How we played today is what I want.”
Ten Hag admits Luiz’ goal celebration may have helped fire up United for their winner.
The Brazilian shimmied in front of the Holte End after he equalised Hojlund’s early strike.
And it appeared that some of the Dutchman’s players took offence.
Raphael Varane had to be stopped from approaching Luiz by referee Robert Jones.
Ten Hag said: “I don’t have an opinion on it.
“I haven’t spoken to the players. It may have fuelled the players. I don’t know.
“We have to think about our game. Not about the opposition.
“We always want to control the game and dictate it. That should be our approach.”