Scott McTominay: The unsung hero of an unforgettable night in Paris

Under Jose Mourinho, Scott McTominay had become an unwitting pawn in the manager’s battle with Paul Pogba. On Wednesday night, the 22-year-old lined up to face Paris Saint-Germain in a game he will never forget.

McTominay has had a curious career at United so far. Despite being an Academy graduate, and being at his boyhood club since the age of five, fans have not taken to the young Scot as they have to others.

The Old Trafford faithful have not changed his name like those of other Academy graduates like Marcus Rashford or Jesse Lingard. Even Tahith Chong, who only made his debut in January, is more likely to get a reaction than the Scottish international.

After that magical night in Paris, things may have changed.

https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1103696577141637120

Mourinho enjoyed McTominay’s diligence in his defensive duties, his simple distribution of the ball, and his perceived willingness to obey commands from the bench. Paul Pogba was cast as the lazy, overcomplicating counterpoint, all flashy haircuts and Instagram posts. McTominay, whether he wanted to be or not, was Mourinho’s man.