Scott McTominay will have a key summer in order to impress new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Last season, the 25-year-old was a fixture in the first team, but competition is expected to be strong next season, as the Dutch coach looks to overhaul his roster in the coming months.
And rumors suggest that the Scotsman's career at Old Trafford is in jeopardy, with a slew of midfielders linked with a move to Manchester.
As Scotland prepares to face Armenia tonight, we take a look at McTominay's United future.
maestro in the midfield
After making his United debut in May 2017, McTominay has gradually established himself as a staple in the team.
Because of his tireless efforts and defensive commitment, he has been credited with providing the Red Devils with much-needed grit in midfield.
Last season, the 6ft 3in colossus was able to push his team up the pitch with a solid 76.3 percent take-on success rate.
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Manchester United's central midfielder Scott McTominay is a force to be reckoned with.
Manchester United's central midfielder Scott McTominay is a force to be reckoned with.
McTominay was a key player under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and he continued to play regularly when Solskjaer was dismissed by interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Any concerns that the Scot would fall out of favor under the new system were put to rest by the German, who described him as a future club captain.
With Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic departing this summer, McTominay might still play a role in Ten Hag's revolution.
Scotland's adaptability
Although McTominay's influence at Old Trafford has waned, he remains a significant component in Scotland's setup.
Manager Steve Clarke has given the 33-cap international the role of utility man, and he was placed on the right of a back-three in the 3-1 World Cup play-off defeat to Ukraine.
For last week's 3-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, McTominay was moved to his more natural place in the engine room.
In that encounter, the versatile operator had the joint-most dribbles (three), but there is stiff competition in the Tartan Army camp.
McTominay's first-team status could be jeopardized if he does not see regular game action with the Red Devils.
Pre-season fixtures of the Premier League can be found here.
Scott McTominay has a diverse skill set that allows him to excel as both a midfielder and a defender.
Scott McTominay has a diverse skill set that allows him to excel as both a midfielder and a defender.
Increased competition
With Manchester United's hierarchy apparently prioritizing a midfield signing this summer, McTominay's task may get much more difficult.
Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona is the frontrunner to rejoin with his former Ajax manager Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman has struggled at Camp Nou and is rumored to have been recognized as a saleable asset as a result of Barca's financial woes.
Last season, De Jong completed more passes per 90 minutes (54.16) than McTominay (39.69), and his passing accuracy rate (91.33%) was greater than the Scot's (85.56 percent ).
A move for the Blaugrana's No21 may prove difficult, as the Netherlands international said that playing for the Catalan club was a childhood goal of his.
Next season, Scott McTominay and Frenkie de Jong might face off for a starting spot at Old Trafford.
Next season, Scott McTominay and Frenkie de Jong might face off for a starting spot at Old Trafford.
The highest level of motivation
McTominay will have a chance to impress Ten Hag in preseason, and the Scotsman has stated that he will not be resting on his laurels.
He stated, " "Your time to unwind is around the holidays with your loved ones. Even yet, I'm thinking I should exercise and do something to ensure that I'm in top shape for the new coach.
"You're still considering returning and making the greatest possible impression on the new coach.
"The other players will be the same; football is your life, and it's tough when things aren't going well."
With the Red Devils preparing for a reshuffle, there's a growing sense that this summer will be crucial for their No39.
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