I must start off by saying that I am a fervent critic of McTominay. However, he was absolutely sensational last night. Excellent shooting, good decision making, his usual energy and finally strong in the tackle. The only way he could have been better was if his two other long shots flew in. Magnificent.
For the rest of the team, I’d say it was a satisfactory performance. Credit to Rangnick, the Palace game and this one have been the only times we’ve looked coached this season. Good pressing and patterns of play, which we really need to continue for the rest of the season. At one end of the pitch, we desperately need a new captain and upgrades on Maguire and Matic, At the other though, Ronaldo scored again to take his tally to 14 this season, and there is serious promise with the likes of Sancho and Mason. Even Rashford would start for every non-big 6 team, and he’s been rubbish this season.
At least with Rangnick, and I thought so after the Newcastle game too, we’re moving in the right direction. He’s instilling a modern, pressing game and a strict, disciplined culture, two extremely important components if we are to be successful. There are things for the next manager to build on. We just have to get top 4.