How Scott McTominay has turned his Manchester United career around in stunning fashion stopped playing as a centre-back for the tournament to making a mark as one of the best players on the pitch for the Scotland national side. Reflective of personal perseverance and professional growth, catch his journey—one filled with positional diversity and impressive career milestones—in the Q&A below. McTominay’s recent performances have not only earned him recognition but have played a pivotal role in securing Scotland’s place in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
During the delayed Euro 2020, McTominay was deployed mainly as a centre-back for Scotland. It was a surprising deployment for the dynamic midfielder and that proved to be the perfect introduction to his on-field versatility. His true potential began to show after his transfer to Napoli last season. Most observers view this as a watershed moment for his management career. That move freed him artistically and creatively to really do what he does best, resulting in a surprising comeback.
Beyond the business of his club debut and breakout season, the last 12 months have been nothing short of sensational for McTominay. His record of six goals in five matches proved invaluable as he fired Scotland to qualification for this summer’s highly-anticipated Euros. He really came to the fore in a legendary encounter at Hampden Park against the Spanish. In that match, he scored two brilliant goals to escape the drought. This monstrous performance cemented his place as his country’s most important player.
Fast forward to March 2023 and McTominay was at one of the lowest points of his professional career. He described the emotional toll of not playing regularly, stating, “I don’t like it whenever I’m not playing. It hurts me whenever I’m not playing.” This sense of frustration was multiplied by the fact that he was not producing to the level he thought he should be producing at. It wasn’t until an early meeting with Scotland’s new manager, Steve Clarke, that things really took a pivotal turn. McTominay reflected on their discussion, saying, “The manager and I sat down and he said that I didn’t look happy, that I didn’t look like I was smiling about the place. I thought: ‘Maybe he’s right.’”
After this brutally honest discussion, McTominay came out with a different attitude. He noted, “Ever since that, to be fair, I’ve just thought: ‘Let’s go for it.’” That change in attitude brought immediate results. In fact, he netted a brace in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus immediately following Clarke’s meeting with him.
The second of McTominay’s two recent highlights came with a bang, as he scored a stunning bicycle kick against Denmark. This incredible goal drew comparisons to Gareth Bale’s famous strike in the Champions League final against Liverpool in 2018, as well as Jude Bellingham’s stunning effort for England against Slovakia at last year’s Euros. Such performances further illustrate McTominay’s developing confidence and the increasing maturity of a player coming into his own on the international scene.
On the pitch this early part of 2023 was one of McTominay’s nadirs. He struggled with a lack of playing time at Manchester United. Many opponents initially labeled him a “water carrier,” a menial title that denotes a defensive powerhouse, as he often played a more understated role in the offensive room. The 2022-23 season saw him playing fewer minutes than ever before, prompting concerns about his future and contributions to both his club and national team.
Through each of these trials and tribulations, McTominay has always shown a willingness to come back stronger. His capacity to jump around spots on the field has been a defining feature of his career. Throughout his time with Scotland, McTominay’s flexibility has allowed him to take on various roles, ultimately showcasing his versatility as a player.
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