Scott McTominay sends a message to Erik ten Hag after leaving Scotland on the verge of the Euros.
Scott McTominay fired Scotland to the brink of Euro qualifying – and proved to Erik Ten Hag that he can’t be written off at Manchester United.
Steve Clarke’s men won their fifth match and retained their unblemished record in Group A, putting them in pole position for a trip to Germany next summer. The trip to the Euro championships was shortened even before the game began as Spain defeated Georgia.
This, combined with Scotland’s victory, suggests that it could be done by next week. A draw between Norway and Georgia in Oslo on Tuesday night would put Scotland through, just as they meet England in a friendly in Glasgow. What a party that would be at Hampden Park.
Scott McTominay sends a message to Erik ten Hag after leaving Scotland on the verge of the Euros.
McTominay has only played seven minutes for Manchester United this season, coming on as a late substitution against Wolves and Nottingham Forest. If Ten Hag doesn’t like him, it appears that foreign games will be his main outlet this season. Tartan Harry Maguire is his name.
If he isn’t a prominent figure at Old Trafford these days, he is for Steve Clarke. He scored his sixth goal in five qualifying games here, a stunning feat. McTominay did not join West Ham or Newcastle during the summer transfer window, but he brings force and class to Clarke’s midfield.
He peeled off to the back to post as Andy Robertson burst down the left and crossed, allowing John McGinn to flick on and McTominay to bundle home with his head.
The mood in Cyprus was as heated as the 27C temperature, with Saltire flags encircling the pitch and a holiday vibe, and the travelling fans were rewarded.
After 15 minutes, Ryan Porteous volleyed in his maiden international goal to put Scotland ahead. The defender slammed home from close range after Jack Hendry headed down a long ball free kick.
After 30 minutes, it was three, with McTominay adding an assist to his first goal. After a solid exchange with Che Adams, he surged down the right and picked up McGinn.
From 20 yards, the Aston Villa playmaker controlled the ball and curved a wonderful left foot effort into the goal. McGinn’s 17th goal in 57 appearances.
After that, it was a controlled performance with the exception of a long-range scare from Cyprus. McTominay slid a long-range shot just past the post as he sought more, and he also hit the post late in the game. Was Ten Hag watching and contemplating his role at Manchester United?
