Mourinho: ‘My job is tougher than Guardiola’s’

JOSE Mourinho told Scott McTominay he had to be liked to become a success at United.

The 21-year-old has been a surprise package for the Reds this season after being thrust into the first team by the Old Trafford boss.

His form has been so impressive he’s been selected ahead of club record signing Paul Pogba at times.

And McTominay has put his success down to some key advice from his manager before breaking into the squad alongside United’s high-profile stars.

“When I first came into the group he said ‘the players have to like you,’” McTominay told ManUtd.com.

“It’s one of the most important things going into a new dressing room, that you are a likeable person and you get on with everybody. That has stood me in good stead.

“It’s important to be liked and on the pitch.”

Mourinho has often been criticised for failing to promote youth during his managerial career.

But he has overseen the development of McTominay, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard during his time as manager at Old Trafford.

“Jose Mourinho has been absolutely incredible to me this year,” McTominay added. “He’s helped me so much in terms of what I can do, from being more humble, to being better on the training pitch and just being a better person in general.

“It’s the manager having the faith to play me that’s been incredible and I can’t thank him enough.”