Mourinho's comments about the 22-year-old were spot on in a season where the commitment of other United players has been questioned

Jose Mourinho was proven right about Scott McTominay’s commitment to Manchester United.

While some United players have faced criticism for their below-par performances this season, Red Devils academy graduate McTominay can hold his head high.

Getty 4 Scott McTominay opened the scoring in the disappointing 1-1 draw with Huddersfield

Manchester United missed out on a place in the top four and, consequently, a place in next season’s Champions League after drawing with bottom club Huddersfield on Sunday.

Afterwards, McTominay, who opened the scoring at the John Smith’s Stadium, was captured alone on the bench looking dejected at full-time.

Stadium Astro 4 Scott McTominay was gutted after Manchester United’s failure to secure Champions League

And it seems Mourinho always knew how much the Scotland international cared about the club. After deploying him as a makeshift centre-half during a 3-1 defeat to West Ham in September, the Portuguese coach praised the 22-year-old’s attitude.

“He is a special character,” said Mourinho, who gave McTominay his senior debut in May 2017.

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“He is a special personality and a team in a negative moment needs this kind of mentality that Scott McTominay has.”

When asked if other Manchester United players had the same attitude as McTominay, Mourinho replied: “Not all of them.

“But every player is different, every player is a different person. Scott McTominay is a kid with a special character. He is young but he is brave so he is a special kid.”

Getty 4 Mourinho hailed the ‘special character’ of McTominay earlier in the season

Against Barcelona in the Champions League earlier this season, the midfielder came away with a lot of credit for his display in the 1-0 defeat.

He was superb in the middle of the park, winning the ball, recycling possession, and, most importantly, remaining calm and composed against an elite opposition.

It was considered something of a coming of age performance from McTominay, who, incredibly, received the most praise from L’Equipe.

The French magazine is notorious for its ruthless player ratings, and the seven awarded to him is a true sign of his excellence.

In fact, the rating means McTominay was L’Equipe’s Man of the Match!

4 McTominay won many more admirers for his performance against Barcelona

Mourinho was watching the game and thinks Barca were not their usual stylish selves because of McTominay.

“I think United had one player that was responsible for that because I think Scott McTominay in midfield he was like what I used to call – but when I use this expression it’s obviously in the total positive sense of the word.

“He was a mad dog. Afraid of nobody. Imposing his respect.

“Pressing really hard with a huge range of movement a huge area of pressing.

“Pressing higher and creating problems in Barcelona building up then really aggressive on the duels.”