Jose Mourinho may have let slip that Scott McTominay is likely to choose to represent Scotland over England at senior international level.
Both home nations are eager to add McTominay to their midfield following a terrific breakthrough season for the 21-year-old at Manchester United.
McTominay has already made 14 appearances in all competitions this term and was selected ahead of Paul Pogba for United’s midweek Champions League clash against Sevilla.
Born in Lancaster, McTominay is eligible to represent Scotland as his father was born in Glasgow and given his recent form, it won’t be long before the youngster has a big decision to make.
His club manager, Mourinho, has already spoken to McTominay about where he thinks he should go and has possibly hinted that Scotland is the more likely to win out by claiming that the player’s parents will have a bigger say in the matter.
“I’ve given him my advice but I think the advice of his parents is more important than mine,” Mourinho said.
“His own heart is more important than my advice, because mine is purely from a career point of view.
“More important than his career is his feeling, his family’s feeling and also the overall situation with him.
“He’s going to have a very good career independently of his international choice – if he has the choice, because maybe Scotland or England don’t want to select him, which is also possible. The most important thing is for him to feel good with himself.”
Michael Carrick has pinpointed McTominay as his natural successor at Old Trafford and England boss Gareth Southgate remains hopeful that McTominay could bring something similar to the national team.
But, in the past, the young midfielder has been quoted as saying that he’s “probably more Scottish than I am English,” so perhaps the battle for his international allegiance has already been won.
