‘If you let me speak…’ | Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Jamie Redknapp clash over McTominay handball against Sheffield
In a roller-coaster Premier League clash against Sheffield United, Manchester United’s midfielder, Scott McTominay, experienced a swift shift from hero to villain as he scored a goal and then gave away a penalty.
Erik ten Hag’s team managed to break the deadlock at Bramall Lane, defying the flow of the game.
It was McTominay who stepped up, netting his third league goal in just two games with a somewhat unconventional effort in the 28th minute.
However, his joy was short-lived, as the Scotland international found himself penalized for a handball in the penalty area just moments after his goal.
VAR intervention confirmed that the ball had made contact with McTominay’s left arm, resulting in the decision to award a penalty.
Oli McBurnie was quick to capitalize on the opportunity from 12 yards, leveling the scores.
According to statistics provided by @OptaJoe, McTominay became the fifth Manchester United player to both score a goal and concede a penalty in the same Premier League match.
The most recent player to achieve this feat was Bruno Fernandes in a match against Brighton in September 2020.
Before the kick-off, McTominay paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Sir Bobby Charlton, the Manchester United legend who had passed away earlier that Saturday morning.
In an emotional moment captured by Sky Sports, McTominay expressed his deep sadness, saying, “It’s devastating to be honest with you.
He was an icon at the football club and all over the world. Everyone knew him from being a legend of the game and, more importantly, such an incredible guy as well.”
He went on to highlight Charlton’s immense contributions to the club and the impact he had on young players, saying, “He paved the way for people like myself, Marcus [Rashford], and Jesse [Lingard] who came through the Academy.
So for us especially, feeling what he’s done at this football club, it’s difficult. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone at this time.”
McTominay acknowledged the emotional challenge of playing under these circumstances, but also stressed the importance of honoring Sir Bobby Charlton’s legacy, concluding, “It’s difficult, but the game is going ahead and we have to do it for Sir Bobby. He was an icon and a legend all around the world in football terms.
My mum is obviously devastated and everyone who has grown up watching him over the years has just got to thank him really for everything he’s done for the game.”
