Jose Mourinho’s Clever Tactic to Snag Scott McTominay’s Shirt After Benfica Triumphs Over Napoli
Jose Mourinho recently shared a humorous story about acquiring Scott McTominay’s shirt following Benfica’s 2-0 triumph over Napoli in the Champions League. The victory was secured through goals from Richard Rios and Leandro Barreiro.
Jose Mourinho’s Tactics and McTominay’s Journey
After the game, Mourinho entertained journalists with his antics. He appeared with a bag, prompting one reporter to joke it was a gift. Mourinho quipped that it held McTominay’s shirt, stating, “I put him in and benched Paul Pogba for him. The least he could do was give me his shirt.”
Scott McTominay: From United Youth to Serie A
McTominay, who is now 29, played under Mourinho for nearly two seasons at Manchester United. He joined the Red Devils’ youth system at age five. His first appearance came in a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in May 2017, where he substituted for Juan Mata. He later earned his first start in a win against Crystal Palace.
- Debut: May 2017
- First start: 2017/18 season
- Total appearances for Manchester United: Over 250
Despite Mourinho’s departure in late 2018, McTominay’s career continued. He recently made a significant move to Napoli before the 2024 summer transfer window. At Napoli, he helped the club reclaim the Scudetto and achieved recognition in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
International Career and Influence
Mourinho played a vital role in shaping McTominay’s international career. McTominay, born in Lancaster, had to choose between England and Scotland due to his father’s heritage. Recognizing his talent, Scotland’s then-manager, Alex McLeish, was prompted by Mourinho to reach out to the midfielder.
- McTominay’s international commitment: 2018
- Key player for Scotland
- Notable achievement: Scored a bicycle kick leading to the 2026 World Cup qualification
Today, McTominay is considered one of Scotland’s pivotal players. His journey from a United youth player to Serie A star exemplifies a successful football career, with Mourinho’s influence evident throughout.
