Manchester United icon takes aim at 'big-name players' as he explains why Scott McTominay should start

Former striker Andy Cole has said Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay deserves to be reinstated to the starting line-up after making positive contributions for both club and country in recent weeks.

The 26-year-old was United's knight in shining armour prior to the international break, stepping off the bench to score two stoppage time goals to help them secure a vital 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford. He brought the Reds level on 93 minutes before scoring the winner four minutes later.

Though those dramatic strikes marked his first goals for United since April, the midfielder has been productive for Scotland in front of goal recently, scoring six goals in his last eight caps either side of the summer break. He has played a major role in their achievement of qualifying for Euro 2024 next summer.

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Despite his goalscoring contributions, some United supporters believe it would be a backward step for McTominay, who has been at the club since the age of five, to be reintroduced to Erik ten Hag's strongest line-up. However, Cole believes he deserves to be rewarded for his recent run of good form as be bemoaned 'big name players' for staying in the starting XI 'regardless of whether they're playing well or not'.

Asked if McTominay is owed a run of starts, Cole, speaking to Betfred, said: "I really do. Scott gives you everything he's got and that's in spite of some people claiming that he's limited in his abilities as a midfielder for United.

"One thing you do know about Scott is that he's going to give you 150 per cent. In the position that United find