MOURINHO LIFTS MCTOMINAY THEN...
Throws the United midfielder under the bus
HE may not yet have left the premises, but the scorched earth strategy is seemingly well under way, and Jose Mourinho has never been one to go quietly into the night.
Throughout his career, belligerence and bravado are never more conspicuous than when he knows the game is up.
Two goals down inside 10 minutes to Newcastle on Saturday, suggestions the end was nigh for the great managerial misfit of Manchester United seemed to be on the money. The most unlikely of comebacks did little to change the belief his departure is a matter of when and not if.
At 55 years of age, he ought to be at the peak of his powers. Instead, his intransigence and permanent war footing increasingly marks him out as yesterday’s man. And concern for the fall-out from his last days at Old Trafford now reach beyond the city boundaries.
When young United star Scott McTominay’s possible availability for Scotland became a matter of public knowledge, the Prestonborn midfielder’s allegiances became a matter of national debate.
Last November, news the player had told SFA performance director Malky Mackay that he wanted to concentrate on establishing himself at club level before becoming concerned with the international game was viewed — perhaps wrongly — as a “come-and-get-me plea” to England.
Without question, the land of McTominay’s birth were interested. Which meant confirmation that he had agreed to play for Scotland in the New Year was joyously received. Even the bold Jose interceded on our behalf, imploring Alex McLeish to call him up because “it looks like England were missing him”.
McLeish did just that and the player made his debut against Costa Rica in March. Two more caps followed. Scotland again had a Manchester United player in their squad. What was not to like?
Back then, Mourinho could not have been more effusive in his praise of the 21-year-old.
He played him against Sevilla in the Champions League and pitched him in against Liverpool in the Premier League. Paul Pogba never received the plaudits the Scot did.
When it came to United’s endof-season awards, Mourinho pulled a stunt that was straight out of his man-management masterclasses from his first spell at Chelsea.
Hearing the academy graduate was not in line to receive either the Denzil Haroun reserve team Player of the Year award or the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, Mourinho took action. He invented his own prize — the never before seen Manager’s Player of the Year prize.
“It was between him and (Nemanja) Matic because Matic last March told me: ‘I want to play for you and for Manchester United’,” explained the Portuguese.
“He made it happen. I was going for him, but then I understood that in the two awards for young players, Scott wasn’t getting one. I changed my mind because it wasn’t acceptable.
“He is the one who has done everything. He started the season in the academy and ended it playing big games in the Premier League. I thought this kid cannot go home without an award.”
This is what Mourinho specialised in first time around at Stamford Bridge. Making players feel 10 feet tall. Ensuring they would go to war for him. Even his harshest critic would have to concede that it worked.
“It was really nice for me,” said McTominay at the time. “Obviously, it was a tremendous honour and I’m grateful for the manager for choosing me.”
In these times of trouble, the Mourinho of old would have rallied the troops and counted them on to his battle bus. Instead, he’s throwing them under it.
Five months after the most public pat on the back from his manager, McTominay is now pulling a dagger out of his back.
How McLeish applies balm to the wound this week is anyone’s guess.