Categories: World Soccer

Matic predicts bright future for Man Utd’s McTominay

McTominay’s selection ahead of club-record signing Paul Pogba for last week’s Champions League clash at Sevilla underlined Mourinho’s trust in the player and he was also handed a starting role in Sunday’s 2-1 comeback win against Chelsea.

The 21-year-old’s performances have seen him shortlisted alongside David De Gea and Romelu Lukaku for United’s player of the month award, as well as earning admiration from team-mates.

“He is amazing,” Matic said after United’s victory against Chelsea, when McTominay made just the 10th competitive start of his career.

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“He is 21 and to play like that and control the game like that is impressive. He will be a big player for Manchester United.

“I like him because he is a very nice guy and he doesn’t have a problem to ask before the game something and I am always there to help him.

“When I came to Manchester I saw within a few days he would become a top player.”

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McTominay’s rise could lead to an international tug of war between England and Scotland. He has not represented either nation at any level.

A late developer who has rocketed to 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 metres)in recent years, the midfielder has retained his ability on the ball and has impressed team-mates such as Chris Smalling from the outset.

“He’s been training with us for quite a while, even last season,” the United defender said. “But he’s been sort of thrust into some big games, be it Seville or here, and he’s not phased.

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“You can see him crunching into tackles and that’s what we do in training. He goes through people. It’s good that he’s stepped up to his mark.”

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By Agence France Presse