Scott McTominay broke into the Man United first team last season under Jose Mourinho.

Remarkably, the 21-year-old Scottish midfielder was sometimes preferred to club-record signing Paul Pogba in midfield.

McTominay received the manager's player of the year award at the end of the 2017/18 campaign, despite only making 13 starts in all competitions.

"He started the season in the academy and ended it playing big games in the Premier League," Mourinho told MUTV.

"I thought this kid cannot go home without an award.

"I always say that, for me, there are not young players or old players, it is just about the quality of the personality and this kid has everything that I want."

McTominay has made four Premier League appearances this season but was publicly criticised by his manager after last week's 3-2 win over Newcastle.

Mourinho hauled him off at half-time with United trailing 2-0 and later accused the Scotland international of being "scared on the pitch".

According to The Sun, the enigmatic 55-year-old coach is now considering letting McTominay leave in the January window.

Man United reportedly rejected loan offers from Championship clubs Leeds and Aston Villa in the summer - but Mourinho is now open to loaning out McTominay for the rest of the season.

An Old Trafford source told The Sun: “Scott is wanted by a number of clubs and there are offers on the table already.

“The club are not totally against the idea of him going. There was a lot of interest in him in the summer.

“Jose is a big fan of his despite what might be perceived with his comments about his confidence being knocked.

“He still have a future here but the thought is more football could help toughen him up and get him away from the spotlight.”

McTominay has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current deal at Old Trafford.

Mourinho previously singled him out for praise on numerous occasions - but the former Chelsea boss appears to have changed his stance following his performance against Newcastle.