'I don't like it' - Scott McTominay reveals only criticism he struggles with at Manchester United

McTominay gave an honest answer.

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has suggested the only criticism he struggles with are questions about his application and commitment.

McTominay joined the club’s academy as a child and he progressed through the youth ranks to become a permanent member of the first-team squad for the 2017/18 season.

The 27-year-old has now made 233 appearances for United, but he was close to departing in the summer when West Ham showed an interest in his signature.

McTominay remained beyond the end of the summer transfer window and fought for his place instead. He’s been in and out of the team but has scored an impressive six goals.

He was the joint top goalscorer for United until Rasmus Hojlund scored against Tottenham earlier this month, although he’s still faced criticism and scrutiny over his credentials in midfield.

McTominay recently spoke to the High Performance Podcast and he opened up about how criticism affects him as an individual.

“It’s hard,” McTominay said when asked about criticism about his commitment. “If someone is questioning that about me, I don’t like it and I don’t want it to happen again.

“Whereas if they’re saying opinions like other things like he’s not very good, he doesn’t do this or that, that’s fine. That’s an opinion and you can take it with a pinch of salt.

“The only opinions that matter are those from your manager, family and teammates, in my opinion. When you get into the first-team, it’s hard for young players because they’re going into the spotlight.

“But there comes a time when it becomes normal and part and parcel of being a football at a huge club.”

McTominay was asked about self-doubt and said: “Everyone has it, it’s just about how you control and manage it, in terms of your craft. If you work wherever or you’re an athlete, everybody feels it, which ultimately fuels me.

“I always think every season when I come back, am I still the same athlete, can I still score, potentially make an assist or win trophies and that self-doubt drives me and pushes me to do 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.”

The banner unfurled by United fans at Craven Cottage in November which read ‘play like you mean it’ was spoken about next.

“They’re right, play like you mean it and that’s the only thing we can take from that message,” McTominay said. “That’s what they want to see and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”