The attacking area where McTominay betters Salah and Mane

In the absence of Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay's influence in the Manchester United midfield grows with each game.

The Scot has been a key player for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he will be crucial in the club's bid to climb the table with Pogba ruled out until December.

McTominay was again at the forefront during the weekend's 3-1 victory against Norwich, scoring United's opening goal after 27 minutes with a powerful first-time effort.

The 22-year-old attempted four dribbles against the Canaries, completing all of them, and stats suggest he is leading the way in the Premier League in terms of successful take ons.

According to popular statistician Statman Dave, McTominay has completed 15 successful take ons for the Reds this season.

That total is more than both of Liverpool's star wingers Mohamed Salah (14) and Sadio Mane (13) as well as Manchester City dangerman Riyad Mahrez (10)

His tally also exceeds Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry (14), Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey (12) and Lazio dynamo Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (11).

Manchester United fans have reacted to the statistic on social media, one fan asserting: "Underrated. McTominay has been without a doubt Manchester United's best and most consistent player this season."

Another fan made a bold comparison to a Spanish legend, labelling the midfielder the "Scottish Iniesta."

Fans also hailed Jose Mourinho for handing McTominay his chance in the first-team, saying: "I wondered why Mourinho loved this guy but now it's fully shwoing. He's absolutely unreal, never question Mourinho's eye for a player."