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Scott McTominay reveals Erik ten Hag's key training change amid Manchester United discontent claims

Scott McTominay has defended Erik ten Hag in the face of recent criticism, insisting the Manchester United manager deserves credit for his side's victory over Chelsea.

United produced one of their best performances of the season to beat the Blues at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, with McTominay putting the home side in front and then restoring the lead with what proved to be the winner after Cole Palmer had equalised.

It was a much-needed response from United to their tame defeat away to Newcastle, one that was followed by talk of dressing room discontent. In response, the club banned four media outlets from Ten Hag's press conference ahead of the Chelsea match.

Some reports claimed that a significant number of players had become frustrated with Ten Hag's training methods, believing there was too much running involved, but United put that to one side as they dominated Chelsea.

They had 28 shots in the match and could easily have scored five or six goals, with Bruno Fernandes missing an early penalty and McTominay himself wasting a couple of clear-cut opportunities to further add to his tally. The win lifted United to sixth in the Premier League, only three points behind Manchester City.

Scott McTominay gave Man United a much-needed lift (AFP via Getty Images)
Scott McTominay gave Man United a much-needed lift (AFP via Getty Images)

Asked after the match what was behind the significant improvement against Chelsea, McTominay pointed to Ten Hag and revealed the Dutchman had lightened the load on the players in training, contrary to reports.

"Obviously the manager, to be honest with you," McTominay told Amazon Prime Video.

"The way that we’ve approached the game, a lot of light training sessions to keep energy, to keep fresh, and to keep going for the next game, because obviously they come really thick and fast.

"But for us it’s a night that we should be happy with, and one that we can build on."