Mourinho's Gift: McTominay's Shirt Reveals Serie A Star's Rise

Jose Mourinho, the celebrated manager, recently shared a personal anecdote highlighting his role in Scott McTominay's early career. Mourinho, who handed the Scottish midfielder his senior debut for Manchester United in May 2017, recalled the moment with a cryptic accessory – McTominay's shirt. This gesture underscored the faith Mourinho placed in the young player, even preferring him over record signing Paul Pogba at times.

McTominay's journey took a significant turn in 2024 with his move to Napoli. This switch revitalized his career, with the midfielder becoming a pivotal figure in the team's Scudetto victory. His standout performances at the heart of the pitch, contributing a career-best 13 goals, earned him considerable acclaim.

The midfielder's exceptional form culminated in him securing the 2025 Serie A Player of the Year award, a historic achievement for a Scottish player. His remarkable season also saw him ranked 18th in the 2025 Ballon d'Or standings, cementing his status as a top global talent.