Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd star Scott McTominay explains how he nearly left club under Jose Mourinho
Manchester United star Scott McTominay has revealed that he nearly left the club while Jose Mourinho was in charge.
Man Utd: Scott McTominay on how he could have left on loan
Manchester United star Scott McTominay has confirmed there was a very real prospect of him leaving United on a loan deal while Jose Mourinho was manager of the club. The 23-year-old has insisted there was a time when being sent out on loan was a "possibility" for him.
The Scotland international was being monitored by several clubs, both in England and north of the border.
Speaking to Official Manchester United Podcast, McTominay said: "About a year-and-a-half ago, there was a time when it might have been a possibility but then somebody else leaves or something like that.
“And then your opportunity comes and you have to take it.
“You hear loads of stories about boys going on loan, and different things like that, and I always had it in my head that I don’t want that.
JUST IN: Premier League clubs ask players to prepare for training on June 1 ahead of season restart
"I want to be showing myself here first and, if it doesn’t work here, then you go somewhere else."
McTominay, who came through United's academy, made his debut for the club in May 2017.
After being given some opportunities under Mourinho, he has gone on to establish himself as a key player for boss Ole Gunnar Solskajer.
DON'T MISS
Chelsea hold transfer talks with Lille over two players [TRANSFER NEWS]
Manchester United’s ‘dream’ attacking front three emerges including Jadon Sancho [TRANSFER NEWS]
Arsenal handed Odsonne Edouard transfer boost as Celtic deal backed to fund two signings [TRANSFER NEWS]
Solskjaer replaced Mourinho as interim manager and one of his first acts was to allow Marouane Fellaini to join Chinese side Shandong Luneng.
Celtic had been holding talks to take McTominay on loan but Fellaini's departure saw the Scot given more opportunities in the first team.
However, this campaign has been a tricky one of the youngster, as knee injury sidelined him for nearly two months and then a few weeks after his return, football was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Although the midfielder has still managed to score five goals and provide one assist in 27 appearances in all competitions this campaign.
And while McTominay is enjoying life at the club he believes it is still important for players to appreciate the advantages on offer at United.
“For me, you hear the stories about getting the life of luxury at Manchester United and people take that for granted; like the food in the canteen, your kit being laid out for you every morning," he added.
"People just expect that and you have to always remember where you came from, in that respect, and always appreciate what people do for you.
"I feel like that is the culture that is brought through for us.”