Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes Scott McTominay can excel as a box-to-box midfielder just as he did — and believes the Scot can reach double figures for goals if played in that role.
Robson scored 99 goals in 461 games for the Red Devils across 13 seasons, winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a League Cup under Ron Atkinson and then Sir Alex Ferguson.
McTominay has mostly shown himself as a sitting midfielder during his United career, and Robson is eager to see Ole Gunnar Solskjær give the 24-year-old an opportunity further up the pitch.
Bryan Robson shone like a box-to-box midfielder — and thinks Scott McTominay can do the same
Robson won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a League Cup with the Red Devils
McTominay has played as a deep-seated midfielder this season and has not come off goals yet
‘I think coaches either want an attacking midfielder or they want a sitting midfielder, but I still think there are people out there who can box to box and they just have to work a little harder to get the right finish and I think we have one in this club – Scott McTominay.
‘I don’t think he should be a sitting midfielder and just be classified as a defensive midfielder.
‘He scored seven goals last year and I think where Scott might improve as a player is just trying to reach somewhere between 10 and 15 goals a season and as a central midfielder if you stay away from an injury, then you can achieve it, and I think Scott has it in his closet. ‘
McTominay has yet to hit the net this season and is part of a back three for Scotland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Israel on Saturday.
The 24-year-old scored seven times last term — including a double in the 6-2 win over Leeds
McTominay is in a back three on Saturday as Scotland face Israel in a World Cup qualifier
Steve Clarke’s side is in second place, seven points behind the running leaders Denmark and one point ahead of their next opponents, with a second place in the group that ensures progress to the playoffs.
In 2019, the Carrington candidate spoke about what Robson has mentioned, and expressed a desire to play further ahead.
‘It’s my ambition to be a regular number six, number eight, a box-to-box player. That has always been my goal, ‘he revealed.
