“Man Utd Risks Repeating McTominay Mistake With Frustrated New Player”
Manchester United is in danger of repeating a past miscalculation with player Scott McTominay. This concern has arisen amid frustrations surrounding new player Harvey Barnes, a winger for Newcastle United.
Harvey Barnes’ International Dilemma
Interest from the Scottish Football Association has grown regarding Harvey Barnes. The winger is eligible to represent Scotland through his grandparents. His situation mirrors that of Scott McTominay, who chose to play for Scotland rather than England.
The McTominay Decision
At just 21, Scott McTominay prioritized his Scottish roots over continuing with the England team. His decision was significantly influenced by mentors like Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho, who supported him during this crucial period in his career.
Current Context for Harvey Barnes
As the 2026 World Cup nears, Scotland is keen to secure Barnes’ allegiance. With only one cap for England earned in October 2020, a switch to Scotland could greatly enhance his international prospects.
| Player | Age | Goals This Season | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Barnes | 28 | 12 in 36 appearances | Newcastle United |
Harvey Barnes has displayed remarkable talent this season but has not garnered significant attention from England’s national team coach, Thomas Tuchel. This situation reflects McTominay’s earlier frustrations regarding limited opportunities with England.
Scotland’s Interest
Steve Clarke, coach of the Scottish national team, is eager to include Barnes in the squad. The upcoming international break in March presents a strategic moment for the Scottish Football Association to encourage him to make the switch.
Potential Benefits for Barnes
- Joining the Scottish team could create new career opportunities for Barnes.
- Following McTominay’s successful transition may motivate Barnes’ decision.
- Both players could significantly boost Scotland’s squad strength.
As Barnes deliberates his future, he stands at a similar crossroads to McTominay, weighing the advantages of aligning with Scotland. Engaging with the national team could open up new avenues in his career while benefiting Scotland in international competition.
