Siddharth Juyal
Alan Hutton asserts that Scott McTominay benefits from Scotland’s tactics compared to Manchester United
Former Scotland player Alan Hutton explained that Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay scores more for his nation due to tactics. McTominay has scored seven goals in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers for his country to help them earn the qualification.
The 26-year-old fell down the pecking order for his club at the start of the current season. United manager Erik ten Hag signed new midfielders during the summer to add energy and creativity in the middle.
However, the new signings Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat have struggled to make any impact so far this season. Instead, McTominay has earned his way back into the United manager’s good grace and has featured more often.
Hutton told Online Betting Guide (OLBG) that McTominay has scored plenty of goals due to the attacking freedom with Scotland. He said:
“The way Scotland plays the 3-4-2-1 formation, it’s like a box in midfield with McTominay and McGinn, and they’re allowed to drive forward with lots of crosses coming into the box. They end up on the end of a lot of things and as we’ve seen with the amount of goals that Scott has scored.”
The Scotland international has shown his clinical touch for the Red Devils this season. McTominay came on as a late substitute against Brentford and managed to heroically score two extra-time goals for his team.
The comeback victory just before the October international break alongside the fantastic performances for Scotland earned him more first-team opportunities. The Scotsman has made 12 appearances in all competitions for United while contributing three goals and an assist.
Hutton further explained why McTominay lacked the similar freedom at United that made him so prolific for Scotland. He said:
“They’ve got so many forward options up the pitch. I think it’s going to be difficult for him. So, I think it’s about learning how to play that defensive role, adapting, and when the opportunity arises, can he arrive late into the box as he does for Scotland and possibly get that opportunity to score.”
Ten Hag deployed a rigid 4-2-4 formation in the last two games before the November international break. The formation uses a double-pivot in midfield that acts as a link between the defence and primary playmaker, Bruno Fernandes.
McTominay has played the part of a double-pivot that requires more defensive duty while bombarding forward on rare opportunities.
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Fichajes reported that United wanted to sell the Scotland international during the January transfer window to raise funds. However, McTominay’s resurgence and return to the starting eleven might change those plans as he is playing an important role.
