Scott McTominay's defection inspired by Manchester United bosses could be repeated by another England star
Manchester United's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (R) talks with Manchester United's midfielder Scott McTominay (L) on the touchline
Ex-Manchester United star Scott McTominay could set the example for another star eager to quit their current team(Image: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United star Scott McTominay could set the example for Harvey Barnes to follow him into Scotland's national team. And it all stems from some good advice the midfielder received from Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho prior to turning his back on England.
The Telegraph reported Scotland manager Steve Clarke and the Scottish FA are hard at work attempting to lure Barnes to Hampden Park. The Newcastle winger qualifies to represent Scotland through his grandparents and is eligible to switch allegiances after receiving his sole Three Lions cap in October 2020.
It's understood Scotland want Barnes aboard in time for the World Cup 2026 later this summer. And if McTominay is any evidence as to how things might go up north, the transition could well be worth his time.
Barnes, 28, has scored 12 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions this term but continues to be overlooked by Gareth Southgate. McTominay didn't take nearly as much convincing, given he was 21 at the time of his international debut, though the quandary was a similar one, as it meant turning his back on his birth nation.
Speaking to The National in 2018, McTominay's grandfather, Frank, praised [then-Scotland manager] Alex McLeish, Mourinho and United icon Ferguson for how they shepherded his grandson through the dilemma. And the latter's input was particularly significant after Ferguson played a role in the star's youth development at Old Trafford.
"Alex McLeish handled the situation quite well," said McTominay Sr. "It’s been rumbling on for two or three months now in the papers. But he didn’t go shouting and bawling. He just said that he would speak to Scott, and he did. He conducted himself quite well.
"But Sir Alex Ferguson was keen for Scott to play for Scotland as well. He was up front about it. I know that for a fact. I can say that without fear of getting contradicted. That has been kept under wraps. He and Jose Mourinho were both quite keen on it over the last month or two.
Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United looks over his shoulder
Harvey Barnes is reportedly open to following McTominay's lead by ditching England for Scotland(Image: Richard Lee/Shutterstock)
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"Sir Alex Ferguson has been very good with Scott over the years. He gave him his first contract with Manchester United when he was 16 before he retired and then made sure it was extended when he was 18. He seems to get on well with him. I have seen them talking."
Scottish fans will also be partially indebted to Mourinho, who was vocal in his belief McTominay should represent Scotland if England didn't want him. 'The Special One', who gave McTominay his United debut, completed some of his coaching badges in Largs, near Glasgow, and wanted to see Scotland get the player if the Three Lions continued to overlook him.
Speaking to MUTV in early 2018, he made a phone gesture with his hand as he said: "Because it looks like England is missing him, if I was Alex McLeish, the first thing I would do would be to come to me."
Young Scott McTominay with Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson played a big role in McTominay's early development at Manchester United(Image: Reach Plc)
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"I think Scott deserves more than what he is getting," the Portuguese said after a 2-0 win that took his side into the quarter-finals. Maybe it's because he's this kind of kid profile: a normal haircut, no tattoos, no big cars, no big watches, humble kid, arrive in the club when he was nine or 10."
One could argue Barnes finds himself in a similar boat, underappreciated and with little scope for success if he keeps holding out for England. Scotland reportedly want an answer from the winger before March's international window, at which point he and McTominay could be part of the same squad en route to North America later this year.