While basking in the sun-kissed shores of Ibiza, Scott McTominay seemed to carry the weight of his recent battle scars from the FA Cup final. Despite his valiant 90-minute display in Manchester United’s triumph over arch-rivals Manchester City, the Scottish midfielder, aged 27, departed the pitch with a visible limp during added time, making way for Mason Mount to take his place.

Now, amidst the palm-fringed oasis of a lavish Balearic hotel, McTominay’s holiday reverie is marred by a lingering discomfort. Viral footage captured him poolside, engaged in a somber exchange with former Red Devils’ stalwart Michael Carrick, seemingly indicating lingering pain in his right leg.

Observers, both from the Red side of Manchester and the passionate Tartan Army, were swift to react. Some marveled at the speed with which McTominay and his comrades traversed from the UK to Spain, while others puzzled over the immediacy of their post-triumph getaway, leaving scant time for collective jubilation.

As speculation mounts over McTominay’s readiness for Scotland’s impending Euro warm-up matches against Gibraltar and Finland, manager Steve Clarke’s nerves are undoubtedly tinged with trepidation. McTominay’s pivotal role in propelling Scotland to Euro 2024, with seven goals in ten qualification matches, underscores his significance to the national team’s aspirations.

With the specter of a daunting Euro group stage opener against tournament hosts Germany looming large, McTominay’s fitness saga adds an element of uncertainty to Scotland’s preparations, injecting a blend of anticipation and concern into the collective psyche of fans and management alike.