Scotland’s Scott McTominay wants to follow the lead of his Manchester United skipper as the Tartan Army hero aims for goals.
The midfielder-turned centre-back is now a toast of the nation, the Manchester United battler helping Scotland book their place at Euro 2020 last week with a penalty shootout win over Serbia.
Whilst losing his man for the Serbian goal that had the game finish 1-1 after 120 minutes, McTominay stepped up to take one of five pressure penalties in Belgrade.
On the domestic scene he has been featuring regularly for Manchester United in his usual midfield role. It’s very different from the task he undertakes with Steve Clarke, where he’s a right-sided defender in a 3-5-2 system.
Still learning his trade, McTominay has set a target to help take him to the next level. He’s taking inspiration from soon-to-be Euro 2020 opponent and Manchester United teammate Harry Maguire on the goal trail.
I need to score more,
McTominay said (MUFC). Something in your mind just clicks together and you start to have a real belief.
“Against Chelsea, I had the first contact and should have done better, whenever you’re getting in from a corner. The game before, in Paris, I had two opportunities. So it is just that mentality, going into games really believing you can score goals.
“I was just watching Harry [Maguire] and how many first contacts in the box he gets. I was like, well, why can’t I do that? I’m the same size as him. It’s just a little mindset tweak that can really make the difference.