Jose Mourinho, one of the most revered football managers in the world, recently revealed his fondness for coaching Manchester United player Scott McTominay. Despite their tumultuous relationship, Mourinho recognized McTominay’s impact on the team during his tenure at United. While Mourinho’s time at the club may have ended in disappointment, he still managed to secure two major trophies, namely the Carabao Cup and Europa League, making him United’s most successful manager post-Sir Alex Ferguson.
In a candid interview with Rio Ferdinand on YouTube, Mourinho expressed his admiration for players who gave their all on the pitch. He emphasized that it was not necessarily the most talented individuals who stood out to him, but rather those who showed unwavering commitment and dedication. These players, according to Mourinho, were the ones who couldn’t have given anything more than what they already did, and they became his “boys.”
Interestingly, Mourinho mentioned McTominay as one of his “boys,” alongside Raphael Varane of Real Madrid. He highlighted a particular moment when McTominay played in the Champions League against Sevilla and explained that this was when McTominay became his “boy.” This acknowledgment from Mourinho speaks volumes about the impact and potential he saw in the young Scottish midfielder.
McTominay’s journey at Manchester United began in the 2016/17 season when he made his first start for the club in a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Although he initially played a minor role, featuring mainly during pre-season matches, Mourinho recognized his potential and awarded him the “Manager’s Player of the Year” award after making 23 appearances in the 2017/18 season.
However, it was only after Mourinho’s departure that McTominay truly established himself as a regular starter for United. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he formed a strong partnership with Fred in midfield. This season, under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag, McTominay has blossomed into an attacking threat, leading the goalscoring charts for the Red Devils with eight goals in 28 appearances.
Mourinho’s influence on McTominay’s development cannot be understated. The Portuguese manager played a significant role in bringing the midfielder through the ranks and giving him the opportunity to showcase his abilities. McTominay’s 237 appearances for United bear testament to the faith that Mourinho had in him.
While Mourinho’s time at United may have been controversial, his appreciation for players like McTominay shows that there were positive aspects to his tenure. McTominay’s dedication and hard work have paid off, and he has become an integral part of the team. As Mourinho moves on to his next challenge at AS Roma, he will undoubtedly continue to find his “boys” and leave a lasting impact on their careers.
In conclusion, Jose Mourinho’s recent revelation about his fondness for coaching Scott McTominay sheds light on the special bond they developed during their time at Manchester United. Despite the ups and downs, Mourinho recognized McTominay as one of his standout players, emphasizing the importance of commitment and dedication. McTominay’s journey from a young talent to a key player for United is a testament to Mourinho’s belief in his abilities. As he continues to make strides in his career, McTominay will always be grateful for the influence Mourinho had on his development.