Scott McTominay has backed up Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that he is a 'big game player' for Manchester United.

The midfielder continued his rich vein of form in front of goal as he put United in front against Aston Villa in their FA Cup third-round clash at Old Trafford.

The Scot's excellent glancing header from a Fred free-kick put the Red Devils in command of the tie at the break.

The midfield pair have been widely criticised this season which has led to claims that Ralf Rangnick is looking to add a new midfielder in the January transfer window.

Reports suggested before kick-off that the interim boss was closing in on his first signing with Denis Zakaria at the top of his shortlist.

The Borussia Monchengladbach star is a man in demand with the midfielder set to be a free agent in the summer.

United have not made an official bid for Zakaria, bid but Rangnick is a long-term admirer of the Bundesliga talent.

McTominay's performance in the first half against Villa as he got on the scoresheet was a timely reminder to Rangnick that he should be a part of United's long plans.

And that is the viewpoint Ferguson holds too after hailing him as a 'big game player', comparing him to Darren Fletcher.

Sir Alex, who signed him as a youngster, said in April: "Scott McTominay is now emerging as one of Man United's big players. When you watch Man United pick their team for a big game, McTominay's name is in it. He's a good character, a great trainer.

"I signed him when he was seven or eight years of age and he was actually a centre-forward as a kid.

"He's just sprouted, a little bit like Darren Fletcher - Darren had a few little annoying injuries as he was growing and needed some rest periods and things like that.

"McTominay is of a similar type to Darren - long, lanky, good winner of the ball and a good turn of pace going forward, a great attitude to the game.

"All these attitudes that Darren Fletcher had, he's got them.

"Even if you go back to my time with Darren, I very seldom left him out of big games, particularly against Arsenal, he was fantastic against Arsenal and Vieira and I had no problems.

"McTominay is going forward on those guidelines that Darren pursued for a long time at United.

"It's really rewarding for me to see a Scot coming through. Darren was one, Brian McClair a great player, so we've been blessed with great Scots right through, going back to the likes of Denis Law.

"It makes you proud that United are blessed by the fact Scots have made an impact at the club."