Relentless midfielder McTominay not resting on his laurels at Manchester United
>> LONDON: Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay says he has a constant desire to impress and hopes that will help in establishing himself at the Premier League club’s highly competitive squad.
The 21-year-old had a breakthrough season at United last term, when he made 23 appearances across all competitions, but he will have to compete with the club’s more established midfielders, including Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
United’s newest midfield addition Fred started in the club’s 2-1 league win over Leicester City last weekend while McTominay was used as a second-half substitute.
“I could be 35 years old, move to a new football team and still wouldn’t be established,” McTominay told United’s website.
“Even if you’re like Michael Carrick and you’ve won everything, you still have that hunger and want to impress everybody in every training session.
“That’s just the way I’ve been brought up through the Academy — it’s having that relentlessness to go and perform in every training session and every match. I need to kick on, I’m 21 years old and want to prove myself.”
United will be looking for their second l eague win in as many matches when they travel to Brighton and Hove Albion today.
Meanwhile, Leicester City manager Claude Puel has brushed aside local media reports of his imminent departure from the Premier League club with the Frenchman rather focusing his efforts on developing the team.
Puel is the bookmakers’ favourite to be the first Premier League manager to be sacked this term despite Leicester playing only one game so far — a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United last weekend.
“I can’t comment on speculation. I don’t bet and I don’t do the lottery — it’s not my way,” Puel told reporters.
“My job is to build something with Leicester; to continue to develop this club, to develop the players and the squad. After this, if people are angry or not satisfied, that is my concern.
“It is not the first time, it will not be the last.”