Ralf Rangnick has tipped Scott McTominay to captain Manchester United in the future after the Scottish international's goal sent the Red Devils through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
McTominay scored an eighth minute header from a wonderful Fred cross against Aston Villa, continuing his impressive run of form under interim boss Rangnick.
He has started all five games of the 63-year-old's tenure and was awarded Man of the Match after notching in the 3-1 win over Burnley.
Having come through the ranks, McTominay has grown into a hugely important player for United, who he has now played over 150 games for.
Rangnick loves what the 25-year-old brings to the table and predicts he will be wearing the armband in the future.
"He is an academy boy, his energy is amazing," he told BBC Sport of McTominay after the match.
"He now also starts scoring goals and also with some leadership skills. I wouldn't be surprised if in a couple of years he would be the captain of this team."
McTominay's winner vs Villa came exactly a year on from his early header in a 1-0 FA Cup third round win over Watford.
On that occasion he skippered United for the first time after being handed the captaincy for the first time by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
McTominay was the star performer for United in last night's unconvincing win, and former midfielder Paul Ince reckons he would be a more worthy captain than Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and David De Gea.
"If you were to give it to someone, if I was Ralf Rangnick I would give it to McTominay," Ince said.
"Because, I think the captain should be based off their performances and what he's done on the pitch.
"He's 25, it would be a nice learning curve for him. Now, why give it to Ronaldo when everyone's moaning about him walking off the pitch everytime United get beaten and not clapping the fans.
'"It's also about setting an example and I think the way McTominay is playing, give it to him - let him have a go."
Topics: Manchester United, Ralf Rangnick, Scott Mctominay
Josh Lawless