McTominay lights Scotland’s path as he emerges from United shadows

f Erik ten Hag’s position on Scott McTominay is as entrenched as it would appear, the midfielder’s starring role for Scotland against Cyprus is unlikely to register at Old Trafford. Still, McTominay’s now continual use of the international platform to prove what value he could have at club level must turn heads.

Scotland’s comprehensive 3-0 success in Larnaca on Friday evening had McTominay at its core. The 26-year-old played with control and poise but would be forgiven pent-up frustration. Ten Hag has used him only in the dying stages of the wins against Wolves and Nottingham Forest in the domestic campaign.

“We know he is good,” said Steve Clarke, the Scotland manager, of McTominay. “That is why he starts for us. I think he has been playing like that for a little while now.

“With Scotty, we’ve been trying to find a way to play that can unleash him and John McGinn to get forward. It’s nice to have two ball players behind them in Billy [Gilmour] and Callum [McGregor] to control the game.

“It’s also nice to bring on the substitutes I can bring on. But it’s good for Scott, if anyone needed reminding, just to show he’s pretty decent. Not that we need reminding.”

Clarke was perfectly correct to reference McTominay’s role, which was as one of two advanced midfielders against Cyprus. Traditionally the Manchester United player would be regarded as a more defensive or destructive midfielder. Clarke’s faith has been rewarded. McTominay has half a dozen goals in his last five Scotland appearances and has become a key player in both boxes.

Clarke has spoken to McTominay about what the future may or may not hold in Manchester. Links to Newcastle and West Ham during the transfer window passed without McTominay departing the club he has been associated with since the age of five. Clarke believes it would be premature to call time on McTominay’s Old Trafford connection.