Stats show McTominay is league's most clutch player

McTominay connected with Diogo Dalot’s laser-accurate cross and flashed a bullet header beyond Emiliano Martinez to secure a hugely valuable away win for Erik ten Hag’s side in the West Midlands.

United’s no.39 now has seven top-flight goals in 2023/24, more than any other Red, and those strikes have won 12 points for us – almost 30 per cent of our total.

Of course, it’s not an exact science as, had Scott been absent, another player could have popped up in his stead to score, but it is worth reminding fans how ‘clutch’ – a term used in American sports for delivering in the decisive moments – he has been in the league.

We’ve won all five of the contests in which he’s found the net, but our record in those games would be significantly reduced if you did somehow erase McTominay’s goals.

The most notable performance from the Scotland international came at home to Brentford in early October, when a stoppage-time brace helped turn defeat into victory.

A fortnight later, McTominay scored again, lashing in the opener at Sheffield United, in a game we’d eventually win 2-1.

Another Old Trafford brace saw off Chelsea in December, as Scott enjoyed a run of games as a starter.

But it’s off the bench that his two most recent strikes have arrived, first to put us 3-1 up at Wolves, in a rollercoaster encounter that ended up 4-3, and then with Sunday’s 86th-minute effort.

“You have to credit a player like Scott,” said Ten Hag.

“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.”

McTominay’s value to the Dutchman is clear, but the stats also back up the point.

The dozen points his goals have been worth place him ahead of some of the league’s star players, including Son Heung-min (12 goals, 10 points), Erling Haaland (16, eight) and Mohamed Salah (14, eight).

United’s next ‘most valuable’ player is Rasmus Hojlund, who is on a streak of scoring five goals in five appearances - those efforts have been worth seven points.

Bruno Fernandes has scored three league goals this season, with each one being a matchwinner.

POINTS WON BY GOALS IN 2023/24 PREMIER LEAGUE

1. Scott McTominay (UNITED) - 12
2. Son Heung-min (Tottenham) - 10
3. Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth) - 9