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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jamie Jackson

‘He said I didn’t look happy’: McTominay credits Steve Clarke for upturn in form

Scott McTominay with the Scottish Football Writers’ Association men’s international player of the year trophy.
Scott McTominay has been named the Scottish Football Writers’ Association’s men’s international player of the year. Photograph: Steve Welsh/PA

Scott McTominay has revealed that a conversation a year ago with the Scotland manager, Steve Clarke, made him realise he was not happy due to a lack of game time for Manchester United and ignited a stellar run of form for club and country.

In the subsequent 12 months McTominay has scored seven times in eight Euro 2024 qualifiers, including both goals in the 2-0 win over Spain at Hampden Park on 28 March 2023. That followed a previous double from the midfielder in the 3-0 victory against Cyprus three days earlier, the opening qualifier and first match since speaking with Clarke about his demeanour.

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