Scott McTominay hailed a ‘genius’ for first act as Ten Hag’s Man Utd captain in shock draw at Liverpool

FANS found a “genius” flip side to Scott McTominay’s tough first game skippering Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.

Viewers criticised the midfielder for poor passing in United’s 0-0 draw at Liverpool – but believe he made a brilliant decision before kick-off.

Scott McTominay got off on the right foot, albeit coming under fire laterRex

Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo here squeeze McTominay outRex

McTominay was named captain for Sunday’s Premier League trip due to usual skipper Bruno Fernandes being banned and former leader Harry Maguire sitting it out injured.

And Red Devils‘ supporters reckon the Scot made a super smart move after winning the coin toss.

McTominay chose to shoot towards away fans in the first half.

That meant Liverpool would do the same in the second period – rather than roar forward in the direction of their noisiest fans.

One Red Devils’ supporter posted: “McTominay switched sides on the coin toss btw genius.”

Another said: “Good start as captain. Instructs #lfc to kick towards the Kop in the first half. #mufc” 

A third put it the other way round: “McTominay won the coin toss and didn’t give Liverpool the Kop end in the second half.”

But such was the domination of possession and chances by Jurgen Klopp‘s men, it looked likely to be heads they win, tails United lose.

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Instead, the Red Devils held on – sparking Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk to say his team were “superior in every aspect” and the only side trying to get three points.

Old Trafford legend Roy Keane dismissed this view as “arrogance” that “maybe backfired”.

And United boss Erik ten Hag said: “I think the performance was very good from our side. The game plan went well, the players were brilliant how they stuck together and were in the fight.

“My only criticism would be in possession we could hurt them more. If we scored one of the big opportunities we could have won this game.

“The way we defended it was almost perfect. When we made a mistake there was always a team-mate to sort it out.”

In contrast, Liverpool manager Klopp insisted: “We should have won. With that number of finishes a few more should have been on target.

“This today hurts, it is good, it gives us a lot of information as well and now we have to finish the situations off.

“I can’t remember this kind of dominance against Manchester United as we did today. 

“The attitude today was top, top, top. I wish we would have won but we have a point more and that is okay.”

But Klopp added: “From a passion point of view Manchester United played a fantastic game.”

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