Man United star Scott McTominay reveals what Erik ten Hag did in training to mastermind 2-1 win over Chelsea and bounce back from ‘abysmal’ Newcastle defeat

Scott McTominay was the hero of the day with his double salvo against Chelsea on Wednesday night, but the Scottish international was quick to praise a training tweak from his boss Erik ten Hag ahead of the game. 

United have come under fire in recent weeks for their inconsistent form which has seen them struggle in games, notably giving up a 2-0 lead at Galatasaray and struggling at Newcastle. 

Prior to victory over the Blues, United had only won five of their previous 10 games, losing four and drawing once, with their erratic form seeing them struggle for fluidity. 

However, against Chelsea at Old Trafford it was a much improved performance that saw the Red Devils continue their excellent record at home to the visitors with McTominay twice on target in a 2-1 win. 

And the goal scoring hero was quick to credit his manager’s shift in preparation ahead of the game to start shaking off some problematic form.  

The Scottish midfielder credited a training tweak from Erik ten Hag for his side’s ‘energy’

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‘Obviously, the manager to be honest with you.’ McTominay told Prime Video after the game when asked hat had changed ahead of the clash. 

‘The way that we’ve approached the game, a lot of light training sessions to keep energy, to keep fresh, and to keep going for the next game – because obviously they come really thick and fast.

‘But for us it’s a night that we should be happy with, and one that we can build on.

‘We started really, really well in the game and obviously the fans are really happy with the way we started and reacted after a pretty abysmal display against Newcastle, to be honest. 

‘All the boys were so upset with how we coped with that game, it wasn’t anywhere near good enough, and to come here and win tonight was a plus and it’s something we can build on.’ 

It was double gameweek for most Premier League teams, with eight games taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday and two more on set for Thursday. 

As such there was no respite for those teams competing in Europe, with United now playing four games in 11 days, and their next game just three days after beating Chelsea. 

McTominay’s public backing of his manager’s efforts come amid rumours that a number of the playing squad are growing frustrated. 

Sky Sports reported that the Dutchman had lost as much as half the dressing room due to his rigorous training methods and tactical approach. 

The Red Devils side have been in action four times over a 12-day period and play again on Saturday

Chelsea are still without a win at Old Trafford since back in May 2013 after Wednesday’s loss

They claim that players are unhappy with their style of play, that they feel they are training ‘too hard’ and they are running too much in training – with some senior players ‘not sure what they are running for’. 

It’s added that certain senior players have spoken to Ten Hag about what’s going on – bringing up their experiences at previous clubs – and feel his man-management could be improved. 

Ten Hag has however remained confident that the reports have had no effect on his side, claiming: ‘I don’t care about the noise. They are used to it. It was the same at Ajax but in a smaller country so less people.’

‘When you are not on top form on the day, you get beaten. You need to be at your best. When you are not, you get killed. We know that and we need the right attitude every game.’