Bruno Fernandes was quick to joke with Manchester United teammate Scott McTominay after the Scotland midfielder scored a brace in a 3-0 win over Cyprus.
McTominay, who started the Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday on the bench, came on in the 67th minute. The 26-year-old made it 2-0 to the home side after scoring from close range in the 87th minute, before grabbing his second of the clash in added time. He scored as many goals in six minutes for Scotland as he has all season for the Reds.
Scotland were getting nervy hanging on to a one-goal lead after John McGinn put them in front in the first half, with Cyprus pushing hard for an equaliser in the latter stages of the tie. However, McTominay was able to settle the nerves inside Hampden Park with his second and third goals for his country.
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After the game, the Reds midfielder took to Instagram to react to the win, writing: "Good start". His United teammate, Fernandes, commented on the post, replying: "Striker now?"
McTominay has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the summer arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, with the 26-year-old making just 13 starts in all competitions this term.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke admitted it was 'nice' to have players like McTominay to bring off the bench, but suggested his side went a bit 'casual' in the second half against Cyprus.
"We spoke a lot about getting off to a good start and I thought we started the game really well," he said. "The movement, the rotation of the players, the creation of space was good. We deserved the lead at that time.
"I thought up until 30 minutes we were good and I don't know whether we went a bit casual, we switched off a little bit and Cyprus made it difficult for us. Second half was a slightly difficult game and we slowed the game too much, but it is nice to look at the bench and bring on Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie."
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