BBC pundit Willie Miller has praised Scott McTominay for his ‘sensational’ display as Scotland beat Cyprus following interest from West Ham United in a summer transfer.
The 26-year-old helped the Tartan Army to a 3-0 win in their Euro 2024 qualifier this Friday night. McTominay scored the opening goal of the Group A meeting after only six minutes for his sixth goal for Scotland. It also took the midfielder to five in four qualifiers so far this year.
McTominay had already scored two goals against Cyprus and Spain in Euro 2024 qualifiers in March. His goals helped secure 3-0 and 2-0 wins as Steve Clarke’s side continued to enjoy an unbeaten campaign. They lead the Group A table to La Roja, who have played twice less.
Scott McTominay showed with Scotland why West Ham bid for his transfer
Goals were never McTominay’s forte before 2023 having only scored once in his previous 38 caps. He has also only laid on two assists across all 42 outings for his nation since his debut in March 2018. The Lancaster-born star has also scored 19 and created five at the club level.
McTominay has recorded his club haul through 211 appearances for Manchester United. But he had interest from West Ham in a transfer this summer for what he offers in the defensive zones. The 6 ft 3 ace has traditionally played as a holding midfielder with a license to travel.
According to Sky Sports, West Ham coveted McTominay’s transfer enough to submit a £30m bid to Manchester United. However, the Old Trafford outfit valued their academy product at £45m. So, McTominay remained with the Red Devils on a contract running until June 2025.
The Manchester United star sent Ten Hag a message vs Cyprus
Staying at Old Trafford has not yielded much match time under Erik ten Hag so far this term, though. McTominay has only played for seven minutes in the Premier League after two brief substitute appearances. Ten Hag even left him out of their squad for a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal.
Now, though, McTominay has sent a message to Ten Hag with his performance for Scotland against Cyprus that also showed part of the reason why West Ham wanted his transfer from Manchester United. He took control of the game and captivated ex-Aberdeen captain Miller.
“McTominay is dominating the midfield,” Miller told BBC Sportsound. “The strength he has and the room he has managed to occupy is sensational. He can’t stop scoring.”
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