Jose names his own Player of the Year

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho took his moment on stage at the annual Awards dinner to announce his own Player of the Year.

The boss may not be a big fan of individual trophies but he was happy to pay tribute to rising star Scott McTominay, who edged Nemanja Matic in deserving the accolade.

"The meaning is important," Jose said of his award. "I think the dream of every boy that arrives at the club is to play for the first team. When the dream becomes true, the next dream is to play in big matches and to play in the Champions League and eventually to play for the national team.

"This player gives everything, in five or six months, so my Player of the Year has to be Scott McTominay."

Sitting down for an exclusive follow-up interview with MUTV, Jose added: "I was doubting between him and Matic, to be honest.

"Matic told me last year: 'I want to play for you. I want to play for Manchester United and I'm going to do it'. He made it happen and, this season, he has been very consistent for the balance of the team. Playing, I think, every match.

"I was going for him but, when I understood, in the two awards for the young players, Scott was not getting one, I decided to change as it's not acceptable. He is the one that did everything. He started the season in the Academy and ends the season playing in big matches, in Premier League derbies and Champions League matches, while becoming an important player for the squad.

"So I thought this kid cannot go home without an award, so he's going to get my award."