Scott McTominay says he doesn’t take being benched personally as he can still take centre stage after his matchwinning display at Aston Villa. 

McTominay was sent on at Villa Park as a second-half substitute in place of Marcus Rashford with the score level at 1-1.

Then, with four minutes remaining, the Scot headed in Diogo Dalot’s brilliant cross for his seventh Premier League goal of the season, the most by any Manchester United player.

‘I feel like as long as I’m fit and healthy I can come onto the pitch and perform,’ McTominay told Sky Sports. 

Scott McTominay is not too fussed about being reduced to a cameo role after his winning goal

McTominay came on as a second half substitute and headed Manchester United to a 2-1 victory

‘I don’t take it personally, I just want to come in and try and do the best I can for this. Long may it continue.’

McTominay’s match-winning contribution is nothing new, with four of his seven goals coming from the bench.  

That, for former United midfielder Paul Scholes, is invaluable as United show there is more to their side than just the starting XI.

‘Scott McTominay’s not a regular starter, he hasn’t been for some time, but he makes sure he’s ready when he comes on,’ Scholes told Premier League Productions. 

‘He can get up and down and he’s shown he can score goals. 

The Scot (bottom) now has seven Premier League goals this season, with four from the bench

‘It’s important the squad are ready, the bench need to be ready to come on and affect games and Scott has been valuable this season.’

McTominay has shown for Scotland how much of a goal threat he can be playing further forward and his contribution for United this season has offered Ten Hag solutions when seeking a goal in game. 

‘He is [a super sub] but he can also start,’ Ten Hag told Match of the Day 2. 

‘You have to credit a player like Scott. He is an example for many players these days. 

‘There are not many players any more who are ready for every minute they can be on the pitch. Today we have seen another example. He is always ready to come on and make a difference.’