Michael Carrick believes Scott McTominay is a “shining example” to the Baby Bentley brigade of young footballers who believe they have made it before they have achieved anything.

McTominay made his fifth successive start in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool, and his 17th appearance this season, and the 21-year-old midfielder has earned lavish praise from manager Jose Mourinho for his performances and attitude after his unexpected promotion from the club’s academy.

McTominay’s dramatic rise has culminated in the youngster being named in Scotland’s squad for their games against Costa Rica and Hungary this month after he pledged his international future to the country.

And Carrick, 36, who has won five titles and the Champions League during his 12 years at Old Trafford, believes McTominay’s humble attitude is refreshing at a time when too many young players are seduced by the fame, money and trappings of football.

“I think it is quite refreshing to look at Scott and see how he deals with it,” Carrick said. “He goes about his business, he comes in, he is always in doing extra training, he’s desperate to do well and he’s always looking for those little things to improve on.