Man Utd youngster given special Mourinho praise after draw

Michael Graham
SEVILLE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 21: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Sevilla FC and Manchester United at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 21, 2018 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho reserved special praise for youngster Scott McTominay after Man Utd’s goalless draw with Sevilla in the Champions League.

McTominay was preferred in the starting line-up to Paul Pogba, and his boss believes his performance vindicated that decision.

“In the press conference, the questions were about Paul [Pogba] but the question should be about the kid. He was fantastic. He did everything well. He put pressure on Ever Banega and stopped him playing, he’s their playmaker. I think Scott was brilliant.

“The midfield started really well and Paul made a big effort to go into the dynamic when he came on and he had a positive performance.”

The Red Devils produced a battling performance in Spain and will be confident of progressing through to the quarter-finals when the sides meet again at Old Trafford.

However, Mourinho says his side’s failure to score an away goal may leave them more vulnerable than many are expecting.

“If we draw with goals in the second leg, we are out. If we win, we are through.

“It’s difficult. I believe that Old Trafford misses a big European night. We had the quarter-finals and semi-finals last year but the Europa League has a different meaning.