Manchester United Legends: Scott McTominay Reveals His Top Two Professional Teammates
Manchester United midfielder, Scott McTominay, has reflected on his time at Old Trafford and publicly identified the two players he considers the ‘best professionals’ he had the privilege to play alongside. This might surprise some fans, considering the star-studded cast he shared the pitch with.
A product of Manchester United’s esteemed youth academy, McTominay’s journey to the first team was a testament to his dedication. His debut came under the management of Jose Mourinho in May 2017 against Arsenal, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his career at the club.
Over the years, McTominay became a familiar face in the Manchester United lineup, racking up an impressive 255 appearances across all competitions. His contributions included 29 goals, with fans particularly remembering his spectacular long-range strike against rivals Manchester City.
While the original article suggests McTominay moved to Napoli last summer and is playing under Antonio Conte – which is factually incorrect as of current knowledge – the core of the story remains his reflections on his time at Manchester United and the professionals he admired.
During his tenure at Manchester United, McTominay played with global icons and club legends. Names like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo immediately spring to mind when considering the caliber of teammates he had.
However, in a surprising revelation, when asked to name the ‘best professionals’ he played with, McTominay opted not for Rooney or Ronaldo, but instead highlighted two other influential figures within the Manchester United dressing room.
The players McTominay singled out were Michael Carrick and Ashley Young, both stalwarts and respected figures who enjoyed lengthy and successful careers at Manchester United. Their professionalism clearly left a lasting impression on the Scottish international.
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast in January 2024, McTominay recounted his selection: “I was arguing with Michael Carrick and Ashley Young who are two of the best professionals you could ever meet.” This statement underscores the high regard in which he holds these two former teammates.
Elaborating on his admiration for Carrick, McTominay, a Scotland international himself, stated, “(He was) One of the best players I’ve ever played with or been coached by. The way he thought about the game and how he approached things was just different.” He emphasized Carrick’s exceptional footballing brain and methodical approach to the sport.
McTominay further detailed Carrick’s insightful nature: “He would see flaws in your game before you do and that was just when he was playing with you.” This keen eye for detail and proactive feedback demonstrated Carrick’s commitment to improving himself and those around him.
“The level of detail he went into was amazing. You could see it first hand, he was incredible for me personally,” McTominay concluded, highlighting the profound personal impact Carrick had on his development as a player.
Michael Carrick leads a Manchester United training session during his time as a coach. Image: Getty
Carrick’s illustrious 12-year career at Manchester United began after his transfer from Tottenham in the summer of 2006. During this period, he became a central figure in the team’s midfield, contributing to a dynasty of success.
His Manchester United career boasted 464 appearances and a trophy cabinet filled with accolades, including five Premier League titles, highlighting his consistent high level of performance and winning mentality.
Transitioning from playing to coaching, Carrick initially joined the Manchester United coaching staff before venturing into management. He currently holds the managerial position at Championship club Middlesbrough, demonstrating his continued passion for the game and leadership qualities.
Ashley Young, much like Carrick, was another long-serving and influential player at Old Trafford. He spent eight and a half seasons at Manchester United, becoming a versatile and dependable member of the squad.
Young’s contributions were crucial to the team’s success, including winning the Premier League title in the 2012/13 season. His dedication and leadership left a significant mark on McTominay. Notably, Ashley Young continues his playing career and is currently with Everton, proving his enduring commitment to professional football.
Why Carrick and Young? Key Qualities of Top Professionals
McTominay’s choices highlight the profound impact that consistent professionalism, leadership, and dedication have on young players. While Rooney and Ronaldo are undoubtedly world-class talents, Carrick and Young represent a different, but equally vital, aspect of footballing excellence – the everyday professional who elevates the standards of the entire team through their conduct and commitment. Their influence extends beyond on-field brilliance, shaping team culture and player development.
In summary, McTominay’s ‘best professionals’ at Manchester United:
- Were Michael Carrick and Ashley Young
- Not Wayne Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo, despite their iconic status
- Represented consistent professionalism and leadership
- Showed McTominay the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic
- Had a lasting positive impact on his career development
Who do you think are the unsung professional heroes at your club? Share your thoughts in the comments below!