In Focus: Goal machine McTominay may soon become Scot property

Scotland can secure their spot at Euro 2024 with time to spare when they face Spain in Seville this evening.

Steve Clarke's men boast a perfect record in qualifying so far with five wins from five, meaning one more point from their final three outings — or a single dropped point by third-placed Norway — will seal the deal.

Though they enter tonight's showdown as significant underdogs, the Tartan Army can take huge confidence from their famous 2-0 victory in March's reverse meeting.

We take a closer look at the two-goal hero from that memorable Hampden Park evening — Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

Riding high

Like his club, McTominay's 2023-24 campaign has been a frustrating one to date.

The Scot has made just two starts in all competitions and finds himself behind Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat in Erik ten Hag's midfield pecking order.

However, the whole course of the 26-year-old's campaign may have turned on the back of a stunning cameo against Brentford last Saturday.

Brought on for Amrabat after 87 minutes with United trailing 1-0, McTominay bagged a dramatic brace with goals in the third and seventh minute of added time.

Only time will tell if that stunning impact has forced him into Ten Hag's starting XI — but he certainly heads to Scotland duty on a high.

Star attraction

Though McTominay may feel like part of the supporting cast at Old Trafford, he is one of his nation's leading lights. 

Deployed by the wily Clarke in a more advanced role than he has often occupied during his club career, the versatile operator's eye for goal has had a devastating effect in recent times.

Six goals in five outings makes him the joint-second top scorer in Euro 2024 qualifying, level with his United team-mate Rasmus Hojlund and only surpassed by Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku (eight goals).

The Scotland boss had previously used McTominay as a central defender but changed his mind in late 2021, feeling his prolific instincts were going to waste — a truly inspired move.

Uncertain future

Clarke was not averse to McTominay seeking a move away from Old Trafford in the recent summer window to secure more game time.

Speaking on links to Bayern Munich in August, Clarke said: "If he gets a move and it materialises this week, then that can only be good for him."

And yet, McTominay's post-Brentford interview hints that he will not be pushing to leave Manchester any time soon.

He explained: "It's so important that we all come together and that's what it means at this football club — we do it for the people. 

"That's the same as me. I'm a fan so I want us to do well."

Clear focus

United have a proud history of academy graduates featuring in their first team but it may be time for McTominay to seek a fresh start.

While continuing as a bit-part player for his boyhood club is perfectly understandable, his performances at international level show huge untapped potential.

At 26, the dynamic workhorse is entering the peak of his career and deserves to be showcasing his talents on a much more regular basis.

One thing for certain, McTominay's talents will be on show in Seville this evening — something Spain are all too aware of.