Bryan Robson Exclusive: Manchester United Legend Believes Scott McTominay Is More Than A Defensive Midfielder

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson is a big fan of Scott McTominay and believes he is capable of doing it all on the pitch.

McTominay made his United debut in 2017 and has become a key player in the squad.

His role has shifted throughout the years, going from a defensive midfielder to a box-to-box midfielder and it's a role 'Robbo' believes he thrives in.

Speaking to SPORTbible following the release of 'ROBBO: The Bryan Robson Story', Robson explained: "I just think in football, we try to clone people in today's game and even the coaches, they want either an attacking midfield player or a sitting midfield player who protects the defenders.

Alamy

"But if you're full of energy, and you've got great stamina, I still think there's room in the game for box to box players, which I was classed as. Players who can score goals and can defend. I just look at one of the young lads at United at the moment, Scott McTominay, I feel he's got that in his locker.

"I'm thankful now that when I'm watching Scott, the last sort of six or seven games, he's got back to being more attack minded, whereas at the start of the season he was back into that sort of mood of where he just felt he was a defensive player. I think it's up to coaches to help develop players and make them all-round players, rather than clone them into one thing they can do well."

Robson is arguably one of the most iconic players in United history and knows a thing or two about winning midfield battles.

Known as 'Captain Marvel', Robson won three FA Cups, two Premier League titles, a League Cup and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in a 13 year spell at Old Trafford.

A slew of footballing legends offer insight into the defining moments of Robson's career in his new film, as do his own family.

Alamy

Robson explained: "To be honest, it was a friend who came onto me and said he thought it would be a great idea for me and the family, because now I've got grandkids, just to document my upbringing and my career.

"And I said to him, I want to think about it. Then I thought about things which I could put into the film that'd go really well with the pandemic, encouraging people that if you really have a dream, and you want to achieve something you can do even when you're going through bad times.

"I went back to him and said you know, I'm quite up for it now. I'm really pleased with it because it takes you back, all the memories. Not just my upbringing but the West Brom days and the Middlesbrough days too."

A powerful voice featured throughout is that of Sir Alex Ferguson, United's greatest ever manager.

Robson was already an experienced player in 1986 when Ferguson arrived and he made a number of changes, selling Paul McGrath and Norman Whiteside which was considered a controversial decision at the time.

England international Robson would stick around however and while Ferguson didn't make him the player he was, he certainly played a part in prolonging his career.

Alamy

Robson started his career with West Bromwich Albion and credits Don Howe with instilling the basics, before Ferguson later on in his career was more tactical.

"A coach called Don Howe who was involved with England, he was West Brom manager when I first went there and he was a great coach," the 65-year-old continued.

"He taught terrific values of how to be a professional footballer and how hard you have to work and dedicate yourself to get there.

"So when I started playing under Sir Alex he sort of reminded me what Don had taught me, how to be disciplined.

"With the way the game was when Sir Alex came to us, tactically he was very aware so he added other things to me. I was in my thirties then when the boss came along so I had my ways, but the boss added a few things to me that helped me play until I was 40.

"He had a big influence in that way. When I went into management, he had a big influence in how I wanted to manage too."

United return to action against one of Robson's former sides, Middlesbrough, this evening in the FA Cup.

Chris Wilder's men are having a solid season in the Championship and Robson thinks interim manager Ralf Rangnick should field a strong side.

One player in particular who has caught Robson's eye is teenager Anthony Elanga, who has seized the opportunity this campaign.

"I don't think United should underestimate Middlesbrough," he stated. "Since Wilder's gone in he's done a good job and they're improving all the time. I think he'll [Rangnick] field a strong side because you're at Old Trafford, Middlesbrough are bringing 9000 fans down from what I've heard so it'll be a tough game.

"I wouldn't mind seeing a few of the younger boys, when we're talking about Elanga now, the three games that he's played in he's done really well.

Alamy

"You can rely on the kid, he's worked hard, he got himself a goal, so his confidence should be quite high at the moment.

"I wouldn't want to see too many changes, it's important that we stay in this competition.

"The lads have had loads of rest over the last two weeks, so why not field a strong side?"

ROBBO: The Bryan Robson Story is out now, available on DVD and Blu Ray and digital download via Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Sky Store.