Scott McTominay's time at Manchester United may be coming to an end but he is a central component of Scotland's bright future. 

The 26-year-old is linked with a move away from Old Trafford, despite the fact that he is excelling on the international stage. 

With a host of Premier League clubs interested in signing McTominay, we examine his future options and his exploits with Steve Clarke's men. 

Four-midable

Scotland are the surprise leaders of Group A in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, in large part due to McTominay's performances. 

He has scored five of the team's nine goals, the same number that Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo have managed during this qualifying campaign. 

McTominay's contribution has been unexpected, with the midfielder having only previously scored one goal in his previous 37 appearances for his nation prior to these four Euro 2024 qualifiers. 

He scored twice in the opening game against Cyprus and then notched another brace in the shock 2-0 victory over Spain. 

On Tuesday night, McTominay scored the second goal in a 2-0 success over Georgia, as Scotland maintained their perfect record of four wins from four.

Thinking out of the box

After his match-winning performance against Spain, McTominay spoke about his improved form in front of goal.

He said: "As a kid, I was an attacking midfield player and then I stretched a little bit, got a bit too big for that. 

"Then I was more of a sitting midfield player but I like to do both, I like to get in the box and help my team-mates defend as well. 

"I've got to keep doing that, I know I can add more goals and assists to my game and I think the last two games have been an example of that." 

The United academy graduate has been mainly used as a deeply-lying, defensive presence in midfield by the Red Devils.

His performances for Scotland are showing that there is much more in McTominay's locker, if entrusted with a box-to-box role. 

That looks like the best position for the athletic engine-room operator, with an ability to arrive late in the area and finish off chances. 

Now the question is whether he will become that player at Old Trafford, or elsewhere. 

Transfer talk

There is a strong argument to keeping McTominay at United. He is happy to fill different positions and is a strong presence off the field. 

During Ralf Rangnick's time at Old Trafford, the German coach said of him: "I wouldn't be surprised if in a couple of years he would be the captain of this team." 

With the Red Devils linked with midfielders such as Declan Rice and Mason Mount, it seems that they may instead cash in on their homegrown talent this summer, with his contract expiring in 2025. 

The likes of Everton, Newcastle and West Ham are all said to be interested in McTominay, at a time when his international performances are highlighting his abilities. 

At this stage of his career, it may be time for the Lancaster-born enforcer to leave the club that he has been associated with since the age of five. 

McTominay deserves regular football in a position that suits him, in order to prove that he can be as vital at club level as he now is for Scotland.