Micah Richards says Scott McTominay has shown he is capable of being more than just a holding midfielder for Manchester United.
The 24-year-old netted twice in the first three minutes to send United on their way to a 6-2 thrashing of rivals Leeds United in a superb performance at Old Trafford.
It was the first time McTominay had scored twice in a game for the Reds and, speaking on Match of the Day, Richards said it was a performance that showed he is more dynamic than some may give him credit for.
"What a performance," Richards said. "He has taken a lot of stick but today, he really was excellent. Look at the technique to put that in the corner. He was playing holding midfield but he sees the space in behind the Leeds back four.
"He did it time and again. This is a part of his game that not a lot of people knew he had. It’s box-to-box and he looks like he has been put in a box and he is trying to show he is capable of doing more.
"When United are getting a lot of stick, there are certain players who get the scapegoat tag. Sometimes, he is one of them but today he was outstanding."
Richards believes United's overall performance shows they are benefiting from a high level of confidence at the moment.
Yet he warned that the players have now set the bar for future matches.
"It’s confidence," he said. "The players read everything on social media and sometimes you play within yourself. I did it when I played for England.
"You are scared of making mistakes, of what the papers are going to say. You have to play your normal game, believe in your ability and that has set the bar now for Manchester United against a very good Leeds team.
"But they cannot drop off now because they have shown the fans what they can do."
