Scott McTominay praises ‘special’ Jose Mourinho

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has praised ‘special’ Jose Mourinho and his former manager’s influence on his career so far.

McTominay was handed his senior debut for the club under the guidance of Mourinho in 2017, emerging as a favourite of the Portuguese boss before his sacking by the club in December of last year.

Such was McTominay’s impression on his former manager, Mourinho created the Manager’s Player of the Year award as recognition for his performances during the 2017/18 campaign.

McTominay has since established himself as a regular at Old Trafford and says he owes Mourinho ‘a tremendous amount of credit’ for his development, revealing that the two still keep touch and speak after some fixtures.

“Jose is very special to me,” McTominay told Sky Sports. “He still keeps in contact with me now and keeps in touch after some games.

“He’ll always have a special place in mine and my family’s heart because he’s the one who brought you in, he was the one who trusted you, he was the one who had belief in you.

"Jose still keeps in contact with me"

Scott McTominay admits Jose Mourinho is still a huge part of his career after giving him his chance at Manchester United

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“I owe a tremendous amount of credit to him because if it wasn’t for him I might not necessarily be sitting in this seat.”

Reflecting on his career so far McTominay has credited the club’s academy staff for their patience as he developed physically during hi younger years.

The Scotland international enjoyed a rapid growth spurt, growing from 5ft 6 to 6ft 4 in the space of just 18 months, and admits it took time as he adjusted to his current physical stature.

“I wouldn’t be at this football club if it wasn’t for Paul McGuinness (former Man United U18 manager), Dave Bushell (academy player liaison officer), Tony Whelan (academy programme adviser) and people like that who show an absolutely ridiculous amount of patience with somebody who can’t even play an U18 game because he’s growing, his legs are stretching and he’s got no coordination,” he added.

Read: Manchester United sacked Mourinho too quickly, says Fellaini