Jose Mourinho played a pivotal role in shaping Scott McTominay's international future during their time together at Manchester United, ultimately steering the midfielder toward representing Scotland rather than England.
The Special One's Strategic Intervention
While managing McTominay at Old Trafford, Mourinho recognised the player's significant potential and became frustrated with England's hesitation to call him up. The Portuguese manager took matters into his own hands, publicly suggesting that Scotland should act quickly before England realised what they were missing.
This calculated move prompted then-Scotland manager Alex McLeish to make what he described as "one of the more worthwhile trips I've taken" to Manchester United's training ground, despite nearly being thwarted by the notorious "Beast from the East" weather system that swept across Britain.
A Treacherous Journey Pays Off
McLeish's mission to secure McTominay for Scotland faced immediate challenges. He revealed arriving in York at 3am during the severe weather event, seriously considering turning back before eventually reaching his Manchester hotel where he'd been marked as a no-show.
Mourinho ensured the meeting proceeded smoothly, inviting McLeish for lunch at the training ground and facilitating a discussion with McTominay. The then-United manager couldn't have been more accommodating according to McLeish, who sensed the player was already leaning toward representing Scotland through his Helensburgh-born father.
From United Prospect to Scottish Hero
McTominay has since developed into a crucial figure for Scotland, scoring the opening goal in Tuesday night's historic World Cup qualification match - his 14th international goal - securing Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998.
The midfielder has continued to flourish since leaving Manchester United, earning recognition as Serie A's best player last season with Napoli. His development from United debutant under Mourinho to Scottish national hero completes a journey that might have taken a very different path without the Special One's intervention.
McLeish reflected that while he thought McTominay would require significant persuasion, the player was "pretty clear in his own mind that he wanted to represent Scotland" from their first meeting. The former Scotland manager now acknowledges that Scottish fans owe Mourinho a debt of gratitude for his crucial role in the saga.
