McTominay told he has 'fallen foul' of Man Utd issue which could force transfer
Former Scotland star Ally McCoist believes compatriot Scott McTominay has the quality to reprise his international role at Manchester United, but admits the midfielder may need to move on this summer.
McTominay has been linked with a Man Utd exit after more than 200 appearances for the club. West Ham are among the interested parties, with the Hammers seeing a £30m bid turned down by Old Trafford bosses.
The 26-year-old has hit a rich vein of goalscoring form in Scotland colours, helping Steve Clarke's side beat Spain and Norway to put one foot in Euro 2024. A return of five goals in four games hasn't prompted too much talk of an advanced role at Old Trafford, though, bringing debate about how "less glamorous" players are treated at top clubs.
"He might have to move," TNT Sports pundit and co-commentator, McCoist said. "I really hope he doesn't, because I genuinely think he could play that position for United, I genuinely think he's talented enough.
"I just think sometimes, I'm not saying in this particular case, but I just think sometimes the less glamorous players can fall foul of things that are out of their control, shall we say. And I don't have any doubts Scott McTominay can play in that position at Man United, but whether he gets the opportunity or not, time will tell. I certainly hope he does."
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McTominay has scored just five goals for his club over the course of 76 games in the last two seasons, while playing in a deeper role. At international level, though, he followed doubles against Cyprus and Spain with the clincher against Georgia to sit second in the goalscoring charts for Euros qualifying - level with former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and just one behind current colleague Rasmus Hojlund.
Can Scott McTominay hold his own in an advanced role at Man Utd? Have your say in the comments section
Scott McTominay has impressed in an advanced role for Scotland (PA)
Ally McCoist thinks McTominay can impress further forward for Man Utd (C1 MEDIA)McTominay started out as a striker when coming through Man Utd's academy. He has spent his entire senior career as a central midfielder, but McCoist - who led the line for Scotland at Euro '96 - believes the Man Utd man has the goods to star further forward.
"I've been crying out, wanting him to play further forward," McCoist said. "I understand coaches and managers, sometimes needs must and you've got to play players in positions when other players are injured, I get all that.
"Scott McTominay I thought did well for us in a line of three for Scotland, but for me, always, middle of the park and then let you get forward. I always thought there was goals in him, then looking at the performance against Spain. We were magnificent, frankly, and you don't hear a Scotsman say that very often about his national team.
"We were, though. We were magnificent and he was leader of the pack. I think that justifies a lot of people's thoughts that a good player like Scott McTominay in that area, I think that's his main strength. I think that's his best position."
McTominay captained United in the final game of their pre-season US tour, a defeat to Borussia Dortmund, with new skipper Bruno Fernandes starting the game on the bench. However, he is one of two members of Ten Hag's squad linked with a West Ham move, along with Harry Maguire.
Man Utd begin their Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 14, with new signings Andre Onana set to feature. Rasmus Hojlund's debut will wait due to injury, while it remains to be seen whether McTominay has a part to play as questions over his future persist.
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