“I don’t like it,” is all Scott McTominay has to say about the criticism he receives at Manchester United.
The midfielder for Manchester United, Scott McTominay, has stated that the main criticism he faces is concerning his dedication and application.
Growing up, McTominay attended the club’s academy and worked his way up through the youth ranks to earn a spot in the first team for the 2017–18 campaign.
The 27-year-old has now made 233 appearances for United, but when West Ham expressed interest in signing him in the summer, he was on the verge of leaving.
Rather than leaving once the summer transfer window closed, McTominay persisted in fighting for his spot. Despite being in and out of the team, he has an outstanding six goals to his credit.
Before Rasmus Hojlund’s goal against Tottenham earlier this month, he was United’s joint-leading scorer, but he has continued to draw criticism and attention for his midfield abilities.
In a recent interview with the High Performance Podcast, McTominay discussed his personal experiences with criticism.
McTominay responded, “It’s hard,” to questions regarding criticism of his commitment. “I dislike that and don’t want it to happen again if someone is questioning it about me.
On the other hand, it’s OK if they are expressing views such as that he isn’t very good or that he doesn’t do this or that. You should approach that opinion with caution because it is only one.
“In my view, the only opinions that count are those from your teammates, family, and manager. Young players find it difficult to break into the first team because they will be in the spotlight.
“But there comes a time when it becomes normal and part and parcel of being a football player at a huge club.”
When questioned about self-doubt, McTominay responded, “It just depends on how you manage and control it in terms of your craft. Everyone experiences self-doubt.” Everyone can tell if you work from anywhere or are an athlete, and that inspires me in the end.
“Every season when I return, I question if I’m still the same player and whether I can score, possibly provide an assist, or win trophies. This self-doubt motivates me to work harder and achieve more.
“I’ve always had some notes that I’ve taken, bits a manager has said or relayed, so I’d always write that stuff down, and it’s always there as a reminder, so you build up a bank of what to do every single game.”
Next was the banner that United supporters had flown at Craven Cottage in November, which said, ‘play like you mean it’.
“They’re right; play like you mean it, and that’s the only thing we can take from that message,” McTominay stated. “That’s what they want to see, and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”
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