Scott McTominay is grateful to Manchester United to sticking by him when a youth teamer.

The athleticism that has made ­McTominay such a powerful enforcer in United's team was far from obvious when his father Frank used to drive him down to Manchester from the ­family home in Lancaster to play in junior games.

But the 24-year-old Scottish ­international wouldn't change a thing about that now.

“When I was younger I was told I was too small, too slow, couldn't jump," recalled McTominay. “It felt like I was written off a million times. That was what made me.

“When you're 5ft 6in and you're getting kicked and battered by lads who are bigger and stronger, you've no choice about having the right ­attitude.

“You have to be a quick learner when you've got players flying into you who are fully grown men at the age of 18.

“I felt like a baby when I was 15.

“I still remember getting in the car with my dad and saying, 'What can I do? I can't get near any of them'.

“But United were patient with me and I developed an attitude and desire that toughened me up. One year later, I was 6ft 3in.

“I absolutely loved proving those people wrong and hearing their opinions change."