Scott McTominay scored twice to fire Scotland to a memorable 2-0 victory over Spain at a jubilant Hampden Park, maintaining the hosts' perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying.

The Manchester United midfielder – who also grabbed a brace in Saturday's 3-0 win over Cyprus – got Scotland off to a flying start as his early strike deflected in off visiting defender Inigo Martinez.

While Spain enjoyed plenty of possession, Luis de la Fuente's visitors were unable to respond after McTominay doubled Scotland's lead, lashing home following excellent work from Kieran Tierney.

The result moves Scotland three points clear of Spain at the top of Group A, while De la Fuente has plenty of work to do following his first defeat since replacing Luis Enrique after the World Cup. 

Scotland sent the home crowd into raptures seven minutes in as Andy Robertson capitalised on Pedro Porro's slip to find McTominay, who saw his left-footed effort deflect past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The hosts almost scored a second as Ryan Christie prodded wide from the edge of the area, though they soon had the woodwork to thank as Joselu's header rattled the crossbar at the other end.

Rodri nodded narrowly over as Spain dominated possession, but Lyndon Dykes missed a great chance to double Scotland's lead when he chipped over on the stroke of half-time. 

The hosts did not need long to score a second after the interval, however, McTominay firing into the bottom-left corner after David Garcia failed to cut out Tierney's left-wing cross 51 minutes in.

Substitute Iago Aspas lifted over from Nico Williams' driven cross as the agitated visitors threw men forwards, with Scotland holding firm to record a statement result in the battle to reach next year's tournament in Germany.

What does it mean? Scotland stay perfect as Spanish run ends

Although Scotland missed out on last year's World Cup, they approached this qualification cycle in good spirits after winning promotion to the top tier of the Nations League last year.

Clarke – who penned a new contract last week – will now be supremely confident of leading Scotland to successive European Championships, with the Tartan Army winning their first two games of a World Cup/Euros qualifying campaign for the first time since September 2006.

Spain, meanwhile, have a fight on their hands after suffering their first European Championship qualifying defeat since October 2014 (v Slovakia). 

Great Scott doubles up

McTominay's international career had not exactly been defined by his goalscoring feats – until the last three days. 

Having scored just once in his first 37 caps, McTominay has hit the net four times in his last two international games, while he is the first Scotland player to net a brace against Spain since Mo Johnston did so in a World Cup qualifier in 1984.

Home comforts key for Scotland

Excluding play-offs, Scotland are now unbeaten in eight qualification matches, though it is at Hampden Park where Clarke's men have recorded their standout results.

Scotland have won six successive home qualifiers, going unbeaten through nine such games on their own turf (W8 D1).

What's next?

Scotland visit Norway in their next Euro 2024 qualifier on June 17. Spain, meanwhile, are in Nations League action in the next international break, facing Italy in the semi-finals on June 15.  

Manchester United have reportedly been sending scouts to watch Roma striker Tammy Abraham, although their pursuit could be complicated by interest from his former club.

Abraham, 25, left Chelsea following the 2020-21 season for a £34million fee, and the England international has already exceeded his Chelsea haul of 82 appearances and 30 goals in less than two seasons in Italy.

After racking up 53 outings and 27 goals in his debut campaign with Roma, Abraham has come back down to earth this time around, with just seven goals in 34 games.

There is said to be interest from United in the striker with 11 senior caps for England, although Chelsea will ultimately have the final say about whether they allow him to head to Old Trafford.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA HOLD THE KEYS TO UNITED'S ABRAHAM PURSUIT

The Athletic is reporting United are closely monitoring Abraham's progress this season and have been present at a number of Roma games for that reason, but Chelsea have negotiated a buy-back clause that will give them the option of first refusal.

As part of the sale to Roma, Chelsea included a stipulation that allows them to bring Abraham back for £70.9m (€80m) after at least two seasons have passed – meaning it will activate this coming offseason.

The report adds that Chelsea are in desperate search of a new centre forward, and that while the fee involved may be significant, it is believed to be far less than the demands expected from Napoli for 24-year-old Victor Osimhen.

ROUND-UP

– According to Mundo Deportivo, citing Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have enquired about 29-year-old Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti, who will be available for an affordable fee after rejuvenating his prospects with a strong loan spell at Lecce.

– Tottenham are trying to pry 28-year-old midfielder James Ward-Prowse away from Southampton, who would almost assuredly leave his club if they cannot fight their way out of the relegation places, according to Football Insider.

– Sport is reporting Barcelona have an interest in signing 27-year-old Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio if he allows his contract to expire in a few months and can join on a free transfer.

– According to Calciomercato, Inter are hoping to replace outgoing centre-back Milan Skriniar with Lille 22-year-old Tiago Djalo.

– Newcastle United are eyeing Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Leicester City's James Maddison as potential midfield reinforcements for next season, per Football Insider.

Erik ten Hag anticipates Manchester United being without Antony, Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay for at least another week in a key period of the season.

United have played twice already in February and will have another five matches before the end of the month, including a two-legged Europa League tie against Barcelona and the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United.

Injuries have come at a bad time then, with Christian Eriksen out long term, Casemiro suspended and a further trio likely to be missing for at least the next two matches.

United visit Leeds United on Sunday, then Barcelona on Thursday, and Ten Hag was asked if Antony, Martial or McTominay could make the trip to Camp Nou.

"I can't say for 100 per cent, but I don't expect it," he said.

Although Eriksen was injured in a challenge from Reading's Andy Carroll, Ten Hag accepts other issues have occurred as result of a "tough season".

But United have been boosted by Marcus Rashford's stunning form and the return to action of Jadon Sancho, whose midweek goal in the home game against Leeds earned a point.

Sancho has been back in the fold since the start of the month, having previously been absent from any matchday squad since October.

"This is what makes this job so exciting," Ten Hag said of Rashford and Sancho. "It's wonderful to work with young people, to get the best out of them.

"Finally, they have to do it by themselves. But sometimes they need motivation, they need interaction, they need inspiration."

For now, Ten Hag's focus is on getting the best out of his team over this hectic stretch, rather than worrying about the latest talk of a potential European Super League.

"I'm aware of the dynamic, what's going on," Ten Hag said. "If they're coming up with new ideas, I'll have to look at it and make an opinion.

"I'm not aware, because we are playing so many games at this moment. We have to develop this team, we have some problems, some new players to bring in. That's where my focus point is, and it needs all my energy.

"On new European competitions, the people in this club will look at it and inform me if the time is there and the moment is there to make decisions, but the decisions are up to the club.

"I think the current structure [of European football] is good, but there will always be initiatives to make it better, to make the football better.

"That's what life is. People always want to construct better. This is a good thing. If it's in favour of the football, it's always good."

The future of Ansu Fati at Barcelona appears to be increasingly uncertain.

Fati was a revelation when he first broke into the Barca first team, but has suffered several injury issues that have halted his momentum.

Even when fit, Fati has struggled to get into Xavi's side this season, featuring in 30 games but only nine times from the start, with six goals and three assists to show for it.

And reports are starting to emerge that vultures may be circling to offer the Spain international more regular football.

TOP STORY – BAYERN LEAD THE WAY IN HUNT FOR ANSU FATI

Mundo Deportivo reports that Bayern Munich are at the head of a queue of seven European clubs interested in making a move for Fati at the end of the season.

It is also mentioned that four of the seven potential suitors come from the big-spending Premier League, though only Arsenal and Tottenham are named.

The player only signed a new deal in 2021 that committed him to Barca until 2027, with a release clause of €1billion, but the continued absence of Fati in the starting XI even after Ousmane Dembele's latest injury is apparently a concern to the player's agent, Jorge Mendes.

ROUND-UP

– Barca, Atletico Madrid and Milan are all looking at a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the end of the campaign after Chelsea surprisingly left the striker out of their Champions League squad, according to the Mail.

– Chelsea are poised to join Manchester United in targeting Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen as the Blues look to solve their goalscoring problems, report the Mirror.

– Real Madrid turned down the chance to sign Joao Cancelo on loan from Manchester City before he went to Bayern on transfer deadline day, according to Fabrizio Romano.

– The Mail has pointed to Tottenham's good relations with Atletico as reason for their optimism about signing Jan Oblak and Yannick Carrasco at the end of the season.

– The Mirror reports that Manchester United will look to move on six players at the end of the season, including Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek.

Newcastle United have reportedly pushed Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to the top of their extended transfer wish-list.

Calvert-Lewin, 25, is in his seventh season with Everton, which has been highlighted by a pair of terrific seasons in 2019-20 and 2020-21 where he combined for 29 of his 46 total Premier League goals.

He missed three months this past campaign due to a fractured toe, and spent the first two months of the current season on the sideline nursing a knee injury, resulting in only one league goal since May.

Despite his lack of production in recent months, Calvert-Lewin already has 11 senior international caps for England under his belt, and could be viewed as a depreciating asset due to Everton's struggle in the relegation zone.

TOP STORY – NEWCASTLE IDENTIFY CALVERT-LEWIN AS TOP FORWARD TARGET

According to The Sun, Newcastle want to secure Calvert-Lewin this month as he is "right at the top" of their list of targets.

The report states he is valued at £35million, and Everton are bracing themselves for bids as they sit 19th after just three wins from 19 matches.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph adds Newcastle are in discussions to send striker Chris Wood on loan to Nottingham Forest, as well as listing a number of players the club have expressed interest in.

They include Calvert-Lewin's team-mate Anthony Gordon, Chelsea trio Conor Gallagher, Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Manchester United's Scott McTominay.

ROUND-UP

– The Athletic are reporting Brighton and Hove Albion have rejected a £55m bid from Chelsea for 21-year-old midfielder Moises Caicedo.

– According to AS, Barcelona would like to sign 26-year-old Wolves forward Goncalo Guedes on a loan with a mandatory buy clause, but Italian journalist Matteo Moretto is reporting Guedes is in Portugal ahead of completing a loan move to Benfica.

– Everton are in talks with Rennes about a loan with an option to buy 20-year-old winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, although the Ghana international is expected to cost in the range of £40m (€45m), per GiveMeSport.

– Bild are reporting highly rated 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko – who had interest from Chelsea and Barcelona as he entered the final six months of his contract – is in the final stages of signing a three-year extension with the German club.

– Leicester City have offered £10m for 24-year-old Stoke City centre-back Harry Souttar, who was a standout for Australia at the World Cup, per GianlucaDimarzio.com.

The mentality of Argentina's World Cup-winning defender Lisandro Martinez can help Manchester United end their five-year trophy drought this season, according to Scott McTominay.

Martinez initially struggled after swapping Ajax for United in July, but the defender has since emerged as a key part of Erik ten Hag's new-look team, who sit fifth in the Premier League.

Martinez appeared in five of Argentina's seven games in Qatar – starting twice – as Lionel Messi led the Albiceleste to their third title, which was clinched with a penalty shoot-out win against France.

Addressing United's fans ahead of Wednesday's EFL Cup last-16 tie against Burnley, McTominay detailed his first conversation with Martinez after Argentina's triumph, saying the Red Devils must adopt a winning mentality to challenge for silverware.

"Success will always be winning trophies and that's the most important thing at this football club," McTominay said.

"With the manager that we've got now, we've got a really good opportunity to start that journey, especially this year. 

"We've got a really good chance to implement ourselves and really start pushing. I feel like this is the year where we can go for it and that’s firmly reiterated by all the coaches and in the squad.

"I messaged Lisandro the other day and said congratulations and he said, 'we go for the next one'. He's just won a World Cup, so that shows the mentality that is in the group."

Martinez is not the only Argentine to impress for United this season, with teenage winger Alejandro Garnacho scoring twice since breaking into the first-team squad.

Garnacho scored a stoppage-time winner in United's most recent Premier League game at Fulham, and McTominay believes there is no limit to the 18-year-old's potential if he remains grounded. 

"He's a hell of a footballer and if he keeps his feet on the ground and keeps learning and keeps wanting to work hard, then he can do what he wants in football," he said.

"He's such a talented player and we've got to keep him humble and keep him working hard as well."

Diogo Dalot believes the underlying spirit shown in Manchester United's dramatic 1-0 win over Omonia Nicosia promises to take them far as a team.

United looked destined to be frustrated by their visitors in Thursday's Europa League clash at Old Trafford, but the hosts eventually scored with their 34th shot.

Scott McTominay dealt the decisive blow after Omonia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho had performed admirably to keep the game goalless.

With his goal, McTominay became the first substitute to score a winning goal in the 90th minute or later in a European match for United since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 1999 Champions League final.

Like Solskjaer on that occasion, McTominay came off the bench to net his winner, and Dalot felt that reflected well on United's depth and the strength of character that runs through the squad.

"I think that this is what will take us to places," he said.

"Be a squad as a full, not just 11 or 12, 13 players, be a complete squad and I think everyone feels that they can get a chance if they work hard, if they fight for it.

"I think this competition is healthy for everyone – especially us as players. It always improves us and I think, as a squad, it's the best that you can have."

He added: "We had to be patient. We created – I don't know how many chances we created – but I think we could be a little bit more clinical, but I think we deserved it at the end, the goal.

"When that happens I think it has to come out the patience to not be frustrated because you see the time going and going and you don't score a goal, but I think we did well.

"We kept patience, especially around their box. Like I said, we could be a little bit more clinical but, at the end, I think we deserved the goal and the three points."

Dalot's analysis of United not being clinical enough was highlighted by the fact their one goal came from 4.3 expected goals (xG).

That was only the second time since 2010 that United recorded more than 4.0 xG (excluding penalties) in a single match, and yet they still only scraped by.

Nevertheless, it was also an eighth win in 10 matches across all competitions, with those two blemishes coming against Manchester City and Real Sociedad.

That demolition by City aside, United do appear to be making progress under Erik ten Hag, though Dalot accepts they are not where they want to be yet.

"I think we still have a lot of time and space to improve," he said. "But the games are coming fast so we have to be prepared each game for different kinds of things that the manager can ask for us.

"But overall, I think we are reacting well to what he has been asking – especially after the pre-season, where we had a lot of information coming to us."

United are next in action on Sunday when they face Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag hopes his players are "saving goals for next week" after a dismal display of finishing during their 1-0 Europa League win over Omonia Nicosia on Thursday.

Scott McTominay scored with United's 34th shot of the game in the third minute of stoppage time, becoming the first substitute to score a winning goal after the 90th minute in a European match for the Red Devils since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's iconic goal in the 1999 Champions League final.

It followed a particularly wasteful performance from Marcus Rashford, who failed to find the back of the net with a whopping 10 shots.

Ten Hag was not overly concerned by United's profligacy and expects his side to start scoring more regularly soon. 

Asked if winning was the main thing, Ten Hag told BT Sport: "No, it's not, because football is about scoring goals.

"We created so many chances but we only hit the back of the net once. The team are patient, they kept creating and then they scored.

"I have no concern because in every game we score. I have the faith we will continue with that. Hopefully we're saving the goals for next week.

"We said at half-time we need to keep the focus. When you play against a defensively compact opponent and you don't score, you get impatient. You can get sloppy and lose you the ball and then they break.

"I have a preference to score more and earlier because it makes it easier. We still have two games to go and we go game to game."

McTominay's goal was his first in Europe for United since February 2020 against Club Brugge, and the Scotland international was pleased with his team-mates' patience against stubborn opponents.

"We knew we needed the win tonight but that they'd be fired up too," he said.

"Neil Lennon is a great coach and no games like this are ever easy. Everyone is pleased with the result.

"You have to be patient sometimes. Rashford had so many chances and we did everything but score. Their goalkeeper was a different class but we created enough chances and deserved to score in the end.

"I wasn't on the pitch for the majority of the game but sometimes you think it's not going to be your day. The team spirit is good though and no one ever gives up.

"It's a massive goal because we need to win the group."

United are next in action on Sunday when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League. 

Scott McTominay's stoppage-time strike spared Marcus Rashford's blushes as Manchester United toiled to a 1-0 Europa League win over Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Rashford, who is United's top scorer this season, had a whopping 10 shots, but a combination of wasteful finishing and fine goalkeeping from Francis Uzoho denied the Red Devils forward.

Substitute McTominay stepped up three minutes into added time to get his team-mate out of jail, though, as United sealed a third consecutive Group E win despite a listless performance in front of goal.

The result means Erik ten Hag's side only need a point from their final two group games against Sheriff and Real Sociedad to book their spot in the knockout stages.

Rashford saw a whipped effort tipped over by Uzoho inside two minutes, while the Omonia goalkeeper raced off his line to again deny the United forward midway through the first half.

Uzoho tipped a long-range Rashford strike wide as United continued to dominate, before Casemiro thundered a 25-yard effort against the crossbar.

United went in at the break having had a whopping 14 shots, yet they could have been behind had Bruno squared to Andronikos Kakoullis instead of blazing over from a tight angle following a swift counter-attack.   

Uzoho picked up where he left off after the interval, producing a double save to deny Antony and Rashford, before the latter wastefully steered wide when clean through. 

The Omonia goalkeeper produced further smart stops to keep out Ronaldo and McTominay, but the Scotland international powered home from close range at the death to deny the Cypriot side a famous point.

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has saluted Erik ten Hag's personal touch and revealed how the new management team have lifted flagging morale.

United posted four successive Premier League wins before last week's trip to rivals Manchester City, where hat-tricks from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden condemned them to a comprehensive 6-3 defeat.

However, Ten Hag's side bounced back with a 3-2 victory over Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday, boosting their hopes of progressing from Group E.

McTominay came off the bench during United's trip to Cyprus but has started six of seven league games under Ten Hag despite the arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.

Speaking to United's website, the Scotland international made a favourable comparison between Ten Hag and his predecessors, saying of the Dutch boss: "On tour [in pre-season] he asked me about my family and how they were and how they're getting on.

"That was a real good touch because I felt like I could then trust him, and want to play for him and be in a team with him, where he's pushing me.

"I obviously want to be making sure I'm doing my best for him because he's got a real understanding about my personal life as well, which is massive in terms of a player. I've never really, properly had that before.

"[I've had] other bits from other coaches, but I feel like he's really, really, good in that aspect."

With United failing to win a major trophy since Jose Mourinho's team captured the 2016-17 Europa League, McTominay felt sweeping changes were required at Old Trafford, and he highlighted the role of Ten Hag's backroom team in implementing them.

"There's a lot of change, obviously," he said. "I think it's clear to notice that on the pitch, in terms of the way we set up and the different ideas the manager has got."

He pointed to the influence of assistant boss Mitchell van der Gaag and technical director Darren Fletcher, and also highlighted the role of former England boss Steve McClaren, a notable recruit to Ten Hag's coaching staff.

"Steve McClaren is literally one of the best guys you can have in football because he keeps everybody alive, he keeps everyone together and that is so good for players, in boosting their confidence," McTominay said.

"I feel like some players needed that at the end of last season. They needed lifting and that energy bringing into the group, and they've most definitely done that."

United travel to Everton for their next Premier League outing on Sunday, looking to improve on their dismal record in recent away games.

The Red Devils have lost eight of their last 10 Premier League away matches, and scored as many goals in last week's defeat to City as they had in their previous eight road trips.

Christian Eriksen is confident Manchester United are on a "good road" and praised the qualities of his fellow Red Devils midfielders. 

Although United lost to Real Sociedad in the Europa League last time out, their Premier League fortunes have seen a vast improvement since Erik ten Hag lost his first two games in charge last month.

A 3-1 home win over Arsenal last Sunday made it four successive league victories for United – their best winning run since April 2021.

Eriksen created a team-high three chances and recorded 33 successful passes (also a team-high) against the Gunners, as well as teeing up Marcus Rashford's second goal.

Only Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes (both 10) have created more Premier League chances than Eriksen for United this campaign (eight). Meanwhile, Fernandes (539) is the only Red Devils midfielder to rack up more Premier League minutes than Eriksen's 532 under Ten Hag.

Speaking to the club's website, Eriksen said United's midfielders were adapting well to the new boss's methods. 

"Everyone has different qualities and it's up to the manager who he's going to put down to play in which games and see what qualities will work," Eriksen said.

"Take Casemiro coming in and showing how strong he is already, being a winner. And Fred and Donny [van de Beek] have played for many years – it's a decent midfield.

"Scott [McTominay] has done very well and I think you can see that from the games. I think in the first few games, we were looking for each other a bit and seeing where we are. 

"But now I think we are starting to get a good connection and a good feeling of where you should be, and also because of the instructions of the manager, as he has the positions he would like us to be in. 

"I think it's gone well, but also when you win games it's just easier to look back and the confidence builds up and you forget the small mistakes you make and remember the good things. 

"There are a lot of things we can improve, but it's a good road we're on."

Last season's 6th-placed Premier League finish means United are competing in the Europa League this campaign, but Eriksen believes the strength of their squad – and the allowance of five substitutions – leaves them well-equipped to cope.

"[The whole squad] is going to be very important," he added. "I think this is a good year to have five substitutions.

"It will help the pressure on a lot of the players, and also I think it will give the manager a few more options. 

"The guys who have come on have done very well – they want to prove themselves. And also the guys that have been starting want to prove themselves. 

"So it's a good and strong push that I think we need, because we have a lot of games and there is a lot of quality in the team. We all have to fight for our places."

Following the Premier League's decision to postpone its weekend fixture programme after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, United are back in action on Thursday, travelling to Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire could be on his way to Stamford Bridge amid reports that Chelsea have enquired about including him in a swap for Christian Pulisic.

Chelsea have been aggressive in their hunt for centre-backs during this transfer period after Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen left the club.

But while they have secured the services of Kalidou Koulibaly, they are still after at least one more, having previously enquired about Matthijs de Ligt, Martin Skriniar and a number of others.

Pulisic has been a recurring name when it comes to players Chelsea are seemingly willing to part ways with, and while a loan move has been weighed up, a swap for Maguire could solve problems for both clubs if United feel he is no longer part of Erik ten Hag's vision.

TOP STORY – BLOCKBUSTER SWAP COULD SEND UNITED CAPTAIN TO CHELSEA

Chelsea have made their interest in 21-year-old Leicester City centre-back Wesley Fofana clear, but if they are not willing to meet the gaudy £85millon asking price, a swap deal for a player surplus to requirements would be far more palatable.

For United, who are reportedly operating under a stricter budget, landing a 23-year-old with 19 goals and 10 assists over the past three Premier League seasons in exchange for a 29-year-old centre-back could be exactly what they are looking for, but it all depends on how Ten Hag values Maguire.

According to the Daily Mail's report, there is a belief Maguire may be dropped from United's team set to play Liverpool this weekend, which would only add fuel to the fire.

ROUND UP

– The Athletic reports that Chelsea have offered £15million plus left-back Marcos Alonso to Barcelona in their bid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

– According to the Telegraph, Real Madrid are considering a move for Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as a potential replacement for Casemiro.

– 90min claim Newcastle United and West Ham are monitoring United's Scott McTominay if he is squeezed out by the arrival of Casemiro.

– Leeds United are hoping to secure a £4m move for 18-year-old FC Zurich striker Willy Gnonto, who became Italy's youngest ever senior international goalscorer in a loss to Germany in June.

– Mail Online reports that Arsenal expect Bukayo Saka to sign a new contract at Emirates Stadium, despite interest from rival clubs including Manchester City.

Scott McTominay hopes a fluke could spark a flood as he attempts to transform himself into a goalscoring Manchester United midfielder.

United beat Melbourne Victory 4-1 after recovering from going behind early, with McTominay's deflected equaliser followed by efforts from Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and an own goal.

McTominay's 20-yard shot looped up wickedly off a defender and soared over goalkeeper Paul Izzo, and it was swiftly followed by a close-range strike from Martial as United snatched a half-time lead.

Scotland international McTominay managed only one Premier League goal last season, having hit four in each of the previous two campaigns.

Bruno Fernandes is the only United midfielder to have topped five league goals in any of those last three seasons, which points to an obvious problem at the heart of the team.

The Red Devils managed just 57 goals in the 2021-22 Premier League, and under new manager Erik ten Hag they will be expected to present as a more potent outfit.

"It's all of us, not just myself. I know I can score more goals," McTominay said. "The manager wants more players in the box, which is where you score goals."

The signing of Christian Eriksen on Friday should give United more thrust in that area, while the club are also eager to sign Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.

McTominay believes the straight-talking Ten Hag has the ideal understanding of how to get the best out of United's playing pool, by avoiding complicating his ideas.

"For us, the level of detail which he's talking about is so easy to understand. All his ideas can come at once, and we can take them on board," McTominay said.

Speaking to MUTV, the Scotland international added: "Whenever we've got a new manager, there's a lot of new ideas and a lot of things we have to take on board, in terms of the ideas the manager wants.

"Everyone's so, so happy with the new coach in terms of the detail and the attention to the work we're doing, and everyone's so fit now, and we can get fitter. I can get fitter and the whole team can, which is obviously a benefit for the future as well."

Ten Hag played different starting XIs in each half as he took another opportunity to look at his wider pool of players, rather than the established stars, just as he did when United beat Liverpool 4-0 on Tuesday.

He felt United were rewarded for persistence and was glad to give outings to Ethan Laird and Tahith Chong, a fringe pair who are fighting to become established in the first-team squad but may be loaned out.

"That's why we took them with us. I wanted to have an impression of all the players," Ten Hag said. "They got the chance to show what they can do, what they are capable of, if they can contribute immediately to Man United or it may be a loan period is better.

"All the possibilities are there, but it is good United had some talents, but they need improvements and they need development."

Ralf Rangnick believes Scott McTominay could be Manchester United captain in "a couple of years" and hailed the "outstanding" David de Gea following a 1-0 FA Cup win over Aston Villa.

McTominay scored the only goal of the third-round contest at Old Trafford on Monday, heading home midfield partner Fred's inviting whipped cross after only seven minutes.

That was enough for the Red Devils to set up a fourth-round tie at home to Championship side Middlesbrough, but Villa were unfortunate to crash out as they were the better side.

Danny Ings had a goal ruled out for a foul by Jacob Ramsey on Edinson Cavani following a lengthy VAR check, referee Michael Oliver eventually making the decision after being told to check the pitchside monitor.

Ollie Watkins struck the crossbar in the first half and also had a goal disallowed due to Ings being offside soon after his fellow striker's goal was chalked off.

Amid talk of unrest in the United dressing room following a 1-0 defeat to Wolves, there was relief for Rangnick after a fortunate victory.

The interim Red Devils boss picked out McTominay and De Gea for praise after an unconvincing display from his side.

Asked about McTominay's contribution, he told BBC Sport: "He is an academy boy, his energy is amazing. He now also starts scoring goals and also with some leadership skills.

"I wouldn't be surprised if in a couple of years he would be the captain of this team."

He added: "We have to develop the team into a clean sheet team and that was another one today but still David de Gea was outstanding again for me today.

"I would have wanted him to have less saves in total, I think we had four or five shots on goal but again we can still improve even in that area."

Despite United being second best for the majority of the game, Rangnick said there were signs they are improving.

Asked if he had seen progress in the performance, he replied: "Yes. To say that this was a perfect game, nobody would believe that of course it was not.

"We still have quite a few things we can get better at, but the clean sheet was important today and we worked together. There are still a lot of things to improve but it is easier to do that with a 1-0 win."

Scott McTominay's early header gave Manchester United a fortunate 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup.

McTominay scored his second goal of the season after only seven minutes at Old Trafford on Monday and that was enough to set up a fourth-round tie at home to Middlesbrough.

Villa were the better side, but it was a frustrating night for boss Steven Gerrard in the Liverpool legend's first trip to United as a manager, with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings having second-half goals disallowed.

Gerrard's side had plenty of chances to at least force extra time in a breathless encounter, but United responded with a victory amid talk of unrest in the camp following a defeat against Wolves.

McTominay got the Red Devils off to a great start, nodding Fred's superb whipped cross from the right beyond Emiliano Martínez

Villa took that early blow on the chin and David de Gea made a fine save to keep out John McGinn's rasping drive, before Watkins rattled the crossbar after producing a lovely piece of skill to beat Victor Lindelof following a poor mistake from the Sweden defender.

Jacob Ramsey's shot deflected narrowly wide as Villa continued to apply the pressure, but they needed a Matty Cash block to keep out Bruno Fernandes' goal-bound strike and a sharp Martinez save from Luke Shaw's long-drive thunderbolt to avoid going two goals behind in an entertaining first half.

Ings thought he had equalised from inside the six-yard box five minutes into the second half, but referee Michael Oliver ruled the goal out for a foul by Ramsey on Edinson Cavani.

There was more frustration for Villa soon after when Watkins applied the finish but Ings had strayed just offside before he raced clear and failed to beat De Gea.

The busy De Gea then palmed Cash's well-struck effort around the post before getting a fingertip on Watkins' strike and although United fans voiced their fury when Marcus Rashford failed to react as the ball went loose following Martinez's save from Mason Greenwood, they were able to celebrate reaching round four.