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 came under fire later, but got off on the right footRex

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 sure to be heads they win, tails United lose.

Instead, United held on – sparking Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk to insist his team were “superior in every aspect” and the only team trying to win.

Old Trafford legend Roy Keane dismissed that 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.

This was a very good performance, you saw Liverpool’s results at home and we got a clean sheet. In the second half we had some very good chances.

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

But Liverpool manager Klopp said: “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. 

From a passion point of view Manchester United played a fantastic game.

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

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