Jose Mourinho names two Manchester United stars as he responds to criticism

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Jose Mourinho is using the example of Manchester United duo Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay when defending his track record with regards to young players.

Now, this is not the first time the three-time Premier League winner has attempted to disprove the narrative surrounding his approach to burgeoning up-and-comers.

Back in 2016, his rather outlandish claims were ruthlessly picked apart by The Guardian, pointing out that the 49 players Jose Mourinho claimed to have ‘promoted from academies’ included Arjen Robben (who had almost 130 first-team games under his belt before moving to Chelsea), Marko Arnautovic (who arrived at Inter Milan after scoring 14 goals for FC Twente), and Manchester United’s own Casemiro, a regular fixture in the Sao Paulo XI pre-Real Madrid.

At least, when it comes to Scott McTominay, Mourinho can genuinely claim that it was he who handed the Scotland international his breakthrough in senior football.

Mourinho gave McTominay his Manchester United chance

The Carrington-honed McTominay made his United debut during Mourinho’s first season at Old Trafford back in 2016/17. The manager was so impressed that he even conjured up his own award to honour the up-and-coming midfielder at the Red Devils’ end-of-year gongs.

Mourinho cannot claim to have given Raphael Varane his own breakthrough, however. The towering centre-back joined Real Madrid after making his name at RC Lens. Though it must be said that it was under the legendary tactician that an 18-year-old Varane established himself as a regular on the Real team sheet.

“(Me giving youth a chance) happened in the past,” the now-Roma boss tells TG2. “Such as Raphael Varane getting his Champions League full debut with me at age 18 with Real Madrid. But also launching the likes of Davide Santon and Scott McTominay.

“Here at Roma, there were even more due to the situation and understanding how important it was for the club at all levels in the fight against Financial Fair Play.

“There is also the sense of belonging you get from these lads. When I see the joy of kids like (Francesco) D’Alessio and (Luigi) Cherubini, that creates a bond that remains.”

Mourinho’s legacy lives on in Scotland star

McTominay, six years on from his United bow, is enjoying an unexpected resurgence under Erik ten Hag. He has ten goals for club and country this season already.