When Scott McTominay was first brought into Manchester United’s first team by Jose Mourinho, the instructions were simple. Keep possession with eight-yard passes, hold a position at the base of midfield, provide security and stability to a team in a state of flux.



For a player whose style owes a considerable amount to dynamism and stamina — to attacking as much as defending — such tailored demands felt alien. He sought the opinions of those close to him and was told to do as Mourinho wished. He had to gain the manager’s trust and establish his basic credentials before he could try and expand into his natural game.



It was at a time when Mourinho was searching for the dependable and while he can be credited with turning to a young United player to solve that problem, the stipulations also gave rise to a view of McTominay as an uncomplicated footballer.



Two years on, we are seeing how effective McTominay can be when allowed a licence to...