Scott McTominay Reflects on Mourinho's Impact at Manchester United

McTominay, who has been a Red Devil for over two decades, credits Mourinho for crucial developments in his professional journey.

McTominay's transition from the youth squad to a first-team regular was not without its challenges. His big break came in 2017, and it was under Mourinho's watchful eye that he honed his skills. Despite initial doubts, McTominay's perseverance paid off, marking him as a key player in United's midfield.

In an enlightening chat on Jake Humphrey's High-Performanceman Podcast, McTominay delved into life under Mourinho. He recounted an early training session where his temper and outspokenness caught the manager's attention. 

Mourinho's blunt advice was a turning point. "Mourinho spoke to me and said you need them to like you you can't make them think you're a ******," McTominay remembered as reported by Daily Mail. "He dressed me down to be fair and said who do you think you are, you've done nothing."

This tough love approach, as it turned out, was a test of character. Mourinho's strategy was to challenge McTominay, pushing him to adapt and grow. It worked. 

The Scot's transformation under Mourinho's guidance was remarkable. With an impressive tally of 25 goals in 233 appearances, he has become a fixture in United's lineup.

McTominay's gratitude towards Mourinho is evident. "I owe him a great deal and my family love him," he said. Mourinho's support extended beyond the pitch, even influencing McTominay's decision to play for Scotland, a nod to his heritage and a personal goal for the midfielder.

Under Erik Ten Hag's current leadership, McTominay continues to be a pivotal player, proving that Mourinho's early faith in him was well-placed. 

His journey serves as a testament to the impact a coach can have on a player's career, shaping not just skills, but also character and resilience.