Scott McTominay has hinted at a position change after his brace in Scotland’s win over Spain.
The Manchester United midfielder netted both goals on a historic night for Scotland in front of a raucous crowd.
Scott McTominay struck in the seventh minute and then the 51st to rock a new look Spanish side under manager Luis de la Fuente.
McTominay’s returns to Carrington full of confidence. He had just one goal in 36 international games and now has four in his last two.
McTominay hints at position change
Scott McTominay has been pencilled in as a defensive midfielder by former bosses, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer attempting to groom him as Nemanja Matic‘s successor.
It didn’t really work, with McTominay at his best as a box to box midfielder. When Erik ten Hag has tried to slot him into the system as Casemiro‘s replacement, it hasn’t really worked either.
The much denigrated McFred midfield pairing didn’t work because neither player have the discipline or natural game to defend, both player like to get forward.
McTominay said as such after Scotland’s victory over Spain, explaining that he wants to be deployed as an attacking midfielder.
Speaking to Viaplay via Metro, he said: “As a kid, I was an attacking midfielder – I like to get in the box.
“I’ve got to keep doing that, I know I can add more goals and assists to my game.”
Manchester United could do with giving Bruno Fernandes a rest at some stage, but lack options while Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are out injured.
United could do worse than try McTominay out in the role, in certain match-ups. When you look back to his best performance for United, like the 6-2 home win over Leeds, they have come when he has had the license to bomb forward.
There has even been some online debate over whether McTominay could feature as a striker, amid Wout Weghorst’s struggle for goals, and Bruno Fernandes’ comment to him after his brace against Cyprus.
McTominay could wreck Newcastle transfer plans
McTominay’s comments may come as a blow to potential suitors Newcastle. A report in The Telegraph earlier this month claimed the Toon’s plans are so advanced, Eddie Howe has pencilled him in for a defensive midfielder role for the club.
This could not only be a poor utilisation of McTominay’s talents, but it could make the midfielder reluctant to make the move, wrecking their carefully laid plans.
At the weekend he will go up against Newcastle in the Premier League, if selected, and can demonstrate why he is at his best when allowed to get forward.