The Scotland midfielder is earning a reputation as a remarkably impactful substitute – but where he does he rank among United's all-time super subs?
Manchester United have unearthed an insatiable goalscorer this season – but it's not big-money signing Rasmus Hojlund, last season's leading striker Marcus Rashford or teenage sensation Alejandro Garnacho.
Step forward Scott McTominay, United's leading scorer in the Premier League with seven goals and who powered the Red Devils to a vital win at Aston Villa on Sunday. McTominay had become a bit of a joke figure among certain sections of United's support for forming the dreaded 'McFred' midfield axis, but this season he has reinvented himself as a lethal marksman, earning United 12 points in the process, more than any other player in the Premier League.
The bulk of McTominay's goals have come from the bench, making him the latest in a long line of super subs who have come to United's rescue. But where does the Scotland international rank on their all-time list of goalscoring substitutes?
Getty20Brian McClair – six goals
'Choccy' McClair was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's first signings, arriving ahead of the legendary manager's first full season in 1987 due to his reputation as Celtic's leading marksman. He banged in 24 goals in his debut campaign and had a lethal partnership with Mark Hughes, although his influence faded when Eric Cantona signed in 1992. He stayed at the club for 11 years, scoring 88 goals while collecting 14 medals.
AdvertisementGetty 19Juan Mata – six goals
The cerebral Spaniard arrived in January 2014 as United's record signing from Chelsea in a bid to boost David Moyes' struggling side. He never quite lived up to expectations but became a fan favourite for his exemplary behaviour and his off-the-field conduct, most notably his gestures towards a young disabled supporter and his Common Goal charity initiative. Fifty-one goals and 47 assists was not a bad contribution, either.
Getty18Edinson Cavani – six goals
'El Matador' added a lethal streak to United's attack when he joined in the summer of 2020, although fans barely got to see his best moments due to coronavirus restrictions keeping stadiums empty for his first and best season. He was a real super sub, most memorably getting two late goals and an assist when coming off the bench at Southampton, turning a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win.
Getty 17Scott McTominay – seven goals
McTominay's days as a regular starter in United's midfield appear to be over but he has swapped that security for the glamorous status of goal-scorer extraordinaire from the bench. McTominay's first major contribution as a substitute came in a magical late cameo against Brentford earlier this season when he struck twice in added time. He has since scored a bouncing header in the win at Wolves just two minutes after entering the pitch and another header to snatch the priceless win at Aston Villa.