In Focus: McTominay making case for United revival amid Scotland form

The list of top scorers in Euro 2024 qualifying makes for interesting reading.

Alongside the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo, one name stands out.

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay is currently joint-top of the scoring charts, with six goals from five appearances.

We take a look at the 26-year-old's exceptional international form — and his contrasting fortunes with Manchester United — ahead of Scotland's friendly with England tonight.

New role

McTominay, often used as a holding midfielder at United, has been given a more attacking role by Scotland manager Steve Clarke.

The 42-cap international operated alongside Aston Villa maestro John McGinn during last Friday's 3-0 victory over Cyprus, just behind striker Che Adams.

With Celtic's Callum McGregor and Brighton's Billy Gilmour anchoring the midfield, McTominay has been granted the freedom to make use of his attacking attributes.

His finishing for Scotland has been exceptional in Euro 2024 qualification, netting six times from an xG of 2.16 and a post-shot xG of 3.2.

McTominay has an impressive conversion rate too, scoring from almost half of his total shots (14).

Reminder

Clarke has understandably been impressed with McTominay's contributions.

He said: "We know he [McTominay] is good. 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 good for Scott, if anyone needed reminding, just to show he's pretty decent. Not that we need reminding."

Qualities

McTominay will hope Erik ten Hag has been reminded of his qualities.

United's academy graduate is currently on the periphery at Old Trafford, with just two substitute appearances and a combined seven minutes of Premier League football so far this season.

In contrast, he has been influential for his national team — not just as a goalscorer but as a ball winner too.

McTominay ranks first among his compatriots in Euro 2024 qualifying for interceptions (five) and possessions won in the middle third (15).

Faith

Scotland are on the verge of qualifying for the European Championship in style, sitting top of Group A with five wins from five.

That included a 2-0 victory over Spain back in March, with McTominay scoring a brace.

Asked about his performances after their latest triumph, he said: "The manager gives me a lot of freedom to go and get in the box and potentially make things happen.

"Obviously, he has shown a lot of faith in me and I just want to repay him."

England showcase

Showing faith in McTominay and his ability appears to be the key to unlocking his potential.

If he impresses again as Scotland meet the Three Lions, Ten Hag may begin to strongly consider reintroducing him to the first-team fold at United.

If not, McTominay has shown that, given the right backing, he could be a star elsewhere.