Erik ten Hag answers Scott McTominay position question amid Man United’s striker problems

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay was in fine goalscoring form for Scotland during the international break.

Scoring four goals in two games, McTominay helped see his country win against Cyprus and Spain. They now lead Group A in qualification for the 2024 European Championship.

After he impressed with Scotland, the question of whether McTominay could offer United an option further forward echoed around the fanbase.

Wout Weghorst has scored just twice since his January loan move and Anthony Martial’s fitness is a worry despite being back in training for two weeks.

Erik ten Hag recognises the Scotsman’s ability to score goals but stresses that he does not see him as a solution up front, further praising the efforts of Weghorst despite his goalscoring woes.

“Scott can play in many roles, it’s clear he has scoring capabilities for Scotland but also this season for us he’s a really good finisher,” explained Ten Hag. “But I see him as a midfielder so I think I’m happy with what Wout is doing. Because when Wout is in the team the team is performing better.”

The United boss also provided positive updates on Martial as the Frenchman looks likely to make a return to the squad against Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday. “He’s training, so for two weeks now, I think he can be in,” said the manager.

Marcus Rashford is also set to return to action after he missed out on England duty with a slight knock.

“I’ve got good hope,” added Ten Hag. “He trained but he had to do some treatment, he had to do some individual training, today he joined in with the group. We have one more day. I have a good hope he will be available.”

The winger’s inclusion will be vital for The Reds. Rashford has scored 27 goals for United so far this season, with the next highest being Bruno Fernandes with 10 goals.

When asked if there is a need to recruit another goalscorer, Ten Hag listed several players – including McTominay – that he believes can add to United’s goal tally.

“I think we have players like Bruno, like Jadon Sancho, like Anthony Martial, like Scott McTominay, like Antony dos Santos,” he responded. “We have enough players with the capabilities to score goals, definitely.”