‘Attitude, application’: Richards pours praise on ‘brilliant’ United graduate who deserves more respect

LISBON, PORTUGAL - SEPTEMBER 8: Scott McTominay of Scotland celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Portugal and Scotland at on September 8, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

A large selection of Manchester United supporters may be about to agree with Micah Richards for perhaps the first time in their lives.

That’s because the ex-Manchester City man took the time on the latest The Rest Is Football podcast to pour praise on former Red Scott McTominay, who recently ended his 22-year association with United.

Indeed, his exit was a sore one to take for the Old Trafford faithful. Not only had he become such a reliable figure in recent years, with 2023/2024 marking a career-best goalscoring campaign, but he had been a Red since the age of five.

The Lancaster-born midfielder came from a family of matchgoing fans and had previously spoken of his desire to attend an away match with the club’s ever-faithful travelling support. Now, he can perhaps do so.

Nonetheless, McTominay has picked up where he left off on international duty. He netted Scotland’s sixth-ever Euros goal and their first of the tournament with his contribution against Switzerland in June and added to his tally with the opener in last night’s clash with Portugal.

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He steered home a bullet header to take the lead in Lisbon before his ex-teammates Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo inspired their nation’s late comeback to claim all three points on home soil. The 27-year-old had also etched his name onto the scoresheet in the Scots’ 3-2 loss to Poland last Thursday, along with club teammate Billy Gilmour.

Richards lauds ‘brilliant’ McTominay

Reacting to recent international results on Monday’s podcast, Richards told the panel: “I think we need to give McTominay his flowers.

“There have been so many times he has been lambasted at Man United for being just a workhorse or ‘he’s only in the team because they’ve got nobody else’. But what he’s done in terms of attitude, application, his runs into the box, really fit [and] good enough on the ball.

“What he does for Scotland is brilliant. We actually need to put some respect onto his name because every time I see him play, he makes a difference.”

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