---
title: "‘Give the lad a break’ – Fans slate Sky Sports pundit on comments about Man United man"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/give-the-lad-a-break-fans-slate-sky-sports-pundit-on-comments-about-man-united-man/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ally Darlow"
section: "Liverpool Football Club"
published: "2018-03-06T19:15:16Z"
modified: "2018-03-06T19:15:16Z"
---

# ‘Give the lad a break’ – Fans slate Sky Sports pundit on comments about Man United man

**Football fans of a number of clubs have all united to bemoan comments made by pundit, Charlie Nicholas. The ex-Celtic and Arsenal forward claimed that he was surprised at the decision made by Manchester United’s latest academy star, Scott McTominay, at his decision to represent Scotland at international level over England.**

> “He was born in England and sounds like he’s English so I’m not sure how having a Scottish father is a stronger reason than where you are from.”
>
> Charlie Nicholas surprised by Scott McTominay’s decision to represent Scotland: [https://t.co/T8E5gjFZxV](https://t.co/T8E5gjFZxV) [pic.twitter.com/QFNhMGm1J7](https://t.co/QFNhMGm1J7)
>
> — Sky Sports MNF (@SkySportsMNF) [5 March 2018](https://twitter.com/SkySportsMNF/status/970727510366408704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

The comments from Nicholas come as a surprise to many as he also formally represented Scotland at international level, scoring five goals in 21 appearances for his country. Many football fans have found the opinion of Nicholas bizarre, as a number of footballers have chosen to represent the nation of their parents as opposed to the nation where they’re born. For example: Terry Butcher was born in Singapore but elected to play for England and more recently, Gonzalo Higuain was born in France but plays internationally for Argentina.

The debate around the choice of 21-year-old McTominay has been in the headlines for the last week as the quality performances keep coming from the Scot. The young midfielder, [valued at £900,000 by Transfermarkt,](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/scott-mctominay/profil/spieler/315969) played 67 minutes in United’s incredible comeback victory against Crystal Palace and is set to be given a place in the starting eleven for the crucial upcoming fixtures against Liverpool and Sevilla at Old Trafford in the next seven days.

Here’s what the fans said:

> Give the lad a break. He has assessed his options and made a decision he deems best for him.That is what matters.
>
> — King George (@damsongeorge) [March 5, 2018](https://twitter.com/damsongeorge/status/970729307038502913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Terry butcher was born in Singapore tell him he is not English
>
> — Colin Mcmullan (@colin\_mcmullan) [March 5, 2018](https://twitter.com/colin_mcmullan/status/970777274877382657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

https://twitter.com/RyanPetrie4/status/970747324698836992

https://twitter.com/thestaveros/status/970728917882597377

https://twitter.com/gbruce9783/status/970816282961629184

> Rod Stewart was born in England, but nobody could doubt his allegiance to the Scottish national football team
>
> — Dougie Kelly (@Fankle) [5 March 2018](https://twitter.com/Fankle/status/970748474575802369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)