Chelsea 1-2 Man Utd: Four things we learned as Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay step up

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McTominay shining in Pogba’s absence

Scott McTominay may not have Paul Pogba’s prowess or ability on the ball but, when it comes to giving Manchester United a presence and power in midfield, the 22-year-old is making up for the Frenchman’s absence.

McTominay has been a rare bright spark for United this season and he shone again at Stamford Bridge. Up against a talented Chelsea midfield, containing Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, the Scot held his own and acted as the perfect screen for United’s back three.

His work may not always be pretty - and at times it may go unnoticed - but McTominay is quickly becoming a key cog for Manchester United.

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Batshuayi takes his chance up front

With Tammy Abraham firing in the goals on a regular basis, starts are hard to come by for Michy Batshuayi. Indeed this outing against Manchester United was only the second time the Belgian has started a match this season.

AP

Given the calibre of the opposition, Wednesday night felt like the perfect opportunity for Batshuayi to stake his claim for more action and he did just that. The Belgian had been enduring a quiet evening until in the 60th minute he burst into life.

Picking the ball up just inside the United half, the striker surged forward and arrowed an effort into the bottom corner. It was a beautiful finish and one that will help Batshuayi as he pushes for more starts.

Gilmour looks at home on the big stage

It is easy enough to look the business against Grimsby Town, but Manchester United is a different story. Billy Gilmour may only be 18, but judging by this performance he is a player we will be seeing a lot of on the future.

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For someone so young, he is incredibly composed on the ball and he was unfazed on Wednesday night - even though he was going up against Manchester United.

There needs to be a degree of patience given that he is a teenager, but Frank Lampard should now have no fears about thrusting Gilmour into any game. The midfielder is ready and willing.

Rashford steps up to silence his doubters

Over the past few weeks, debate has raged around whether Marcus Rashford has what it takes to lead the line for Manchester United.

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Well, on this evidence, he most certainly does. Just when Chelsea were in the ascendancy after levelling the scores in the second-half, the striker showed off all his talent with a brilliant free-kick.

It was the kind of strike you’d see Cristiano Ronaldo hit, full of venom and top spin, and almost impossible for any goalkeeper to stop. It was goal of the highest quality and one that should silence Rashford’s doubters, even if only for a while.

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