Former Scotland manager Craig Levein was critical of Scott McTominay last month – but the Manchester United man has changed the former national team boss’ opinion.
McTominay, a midfielder at Manchester United, will likely play centre-back for his country on Thursday night in a game of epic proportions.
The midfielder has been excellent in navy blue. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Scotland face Serbia in Belgrade during a Euro 2020 play-off final. Victory in this match would seal a place at next summer’s tournament, a first for the national side since 1998.
The Manchester United star was excellent in his new position last month as Steve Clarke’s side kept three clean sheets. Before October’s triple-header though, Levein had some thoughts on McTominay.
Whilst aware that Clarke has every confidence in him, the former Scotland manager was ‘worried’ that the Red Devil wouldn’t be as good as someone who’s a defensive regular.
Levein has backed the midfielder-turned centre-back. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
But after three good performances, Levein has praise the midfielder, saying it’s been a very quick rise for the Manchester United man.
“I would think McTominay is a certain starter,” said Levein (BBC). “He’s persisted with McTominay and he has improved. It’s quite a startling transformation.
“It’s gone from someone who looked like they didn’t know what they were doing to within two matches, someone who’s accomplished in that position.
“I think Stephen O’Donnell has been a big help and his defensive capabilities have helped McTominay. But there’s been improvement. He hasn’t let his team down. I think he plays.”