Manchester United icon Bryan Robson set Scott McTominay a target of how many goals he should be aiming to bag this year.
Speaking to BBC Sport Manchester, Robson suggested McTominay should try to shake the shackles of his defensive collar by scoring more frequently.
McTominay was brought into the United first-team by Jose Mourinho under the tag of a protective midfielder.
Occasionally playing at centre-back for Scotland hasn’t helped remove such a label.
In Solskjaer’s preferred formation, United set-up with two deeper midfielders behind a usually star-studded front four.
Thanks to the plethora of attacking talent going forward, sometimes the Red Devils need that extra bit of coverage to avoid being countered.
Therefore, McTominay is often tasked with staying tight and remaining disciplined.
However, the 24-year-old proved last term that he is able to contribute in the final third if the opportunity arises.
His goals return has steadily improved ever since he made his United senior debut in 2017.
Zero in 2017/18, two in 2018/19, five in 19/20, then seven last season.
McTominay’s targets
Now, Robson has urged the Scotsman to go one further and break the double-digit mark.
“I mean Scott McTominay, I don’t think he has to be a sitting midfield player and be classed as a defending midfield player.
“He scored seven goals last year and I think where Scott can maybe improve as a player is just try to get to anywhere between ten and 15 goals a season.
“As a central midfield player, if you stay away from injury, you can achieve that and I think Scott’s got that in his locker.“
How to unlock Scott’s success
Perhaps the secret to unleashing McTominay further afield is to sign a truly world-class holding midfielder to do the dirty work.
At the minute, Fred is unfortunately not the right man for that particular job.
Paul Pogba is much more effective in advance positions, rather than sticking to the traditional no.6 role that’s etched onto his shirt.
Nemanja Matic’s legs are beginning to rust. Donny van De Beek is much more of a box-to-box, like McTominay.
So United might need to dip their hand into the market if they are to meet Robson’s midfield demands.
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