Erik ten Hag can ‘rely on’ Scott McTominay ‘in times of need’ insists Rio Ferdinand after the Manchester United midfielder scored twice to rescue stoppage-time victory against Brentford

Rio Ferdinand has hailed Scott McTominay as a player Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag can “count on in times of need” following his exploits against Brentford on Saturday.

United were set for a third successive defeat in all competitions before Scotland international McTominay came off the bench to score two stoppage-time goals to save the hosts’ victory at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old came through the ranks at United, initially under Jose Mourinho and has since become an experienced figure in the dressing room, but has struggled for playing time recently.

Midfield minutes were limited, with Ten Hag preferring to use Casemiro, Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount in McTominay’s preferred position. However, former United star Ferdinand believes Saturday’s double could lead to more regular playing time.

Ferdinand insisted Saturday’s winning goals show Ten Hag can trust McTominay in future moments of crisis.

Scott McTominay was the winner in Manchester United’s match against Brentford on Saturday

McTominay (left) scored twice in stoppage time to save Man United’s victory at Old Trafford

Rio Ferdinand believes McTominay (left) showed Erik ten Hag (right) that he can be counted on

“The manager now knows he can count on Scott McTominay to focus and someone he can rely on when needed,” Ferdinand said on his Five YouTube show.

“I’m not saying McTominay will be the go-to guy when we’re down to a goal or anything like that, but he’s shown you he’s got some Man United spirit.

“Someone who grew up within the club, there is a lot to be said for his attitude and his application in terms of the culture of conduct within the football club,” he added.

McTominay has now departed for international duty with Scotland where he hopes to continue his rich goalscoring form with the national team in a bid to help them qualify for next year’s European Championship.

The United star is second in the qualifying goals chart for the competition, tied with Red Devils teammate Rasmus Hojlund on six goals, while Romelu Lukaku tops the chart with eight goals.

Ten Hag was saved from what would have been another crushing defeat to McTominay

Saturday’s victory was a moment of remembrance for United players who wore black armbands in honor of Sir Alex Ferguson’s wife Cathy, who died earlier in the week.

Ferdinand pointed out that McTominay’s goal at the end of the match would have been an emotional moment for former United manager Ferguson, who oversaw several last-minute goals during his time at the club.

“Great moment, when you say it like that it’s like wow, the manager would have smiled with that,” Ferdinand said.

“There won’t have been many smiles around the Ferguson house but I think after this he would have thought there was no better way I would have wanted this weekend to end for me personally.”