Scotland manager Steve Clarke says he will put Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay back into midfield – but only at the right moment.
McTominay is a regular for Manchester United at CDM and recently hit 100 appearances for the Red Devils. But for his national team, he takes up an even more defensive position.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Scott McTominay of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Manchester United at The King Power Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Leicester, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The battler features on the right-hand side of defence in Scotland’s 3-5-2 system, which has inspired the national team to its first major tournament since 1998, heading to Euro 2020 next summer.
While happy with his contributions on the right of defence, Clarke says he intends to move the Manchester United midfielder back into his natural position. That will only happen in certain games though.
“Eventually I’d like to get Scott back into midfield, if I could do,” Clarke said (Sky Sports). “But I won’t upset the balance of the team, or the shape of the team, just to do that.
BELGRADE, SERBIA – NOVEMBER 12: Steve Clarke, Head Coach of Scotland(R) looks on during the UEFA EURO 2020 Play-Off Final between Serbia and Scotland. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
“If I haven’t got the right personnel to play the three-at-the-back system, then maybe I will go back to a four. There will be plenty of matches where two central defenders will be enough and then there will be a chance for Scott to go back into midfield.”
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