MCTOMINAY SPELLS OUT HIS MAIN AIM

Scott McTominay has spelt out his ambition to be one of the first names on the Manchester United teamsheet.

The homegrown midfielder was on the bench for the Manchester derby at the weekend but came on in the second half to score a memorable clincher in front of the Stretford End, pouncing on a mistake by City keeper Ederson to make it 2-0.

Bruno Fernandes's arrival and the excellent form of Nemanja Matic and Fred has created real competition for places in the middle of the park but it is something the Scotland international feels is only going to be beneficial to his individual game.

“Obviously in terms of competition for places, it's so important for a football club,” he said at a press conference to preview Thursday's Europa League tie with LASK. “If you don't have competition for places, people get relaxed, take it too easy and take their foot off the pedal.

“Obviously in a group where everybody is fighting every day to be in the team, it can only breed a healthy environment. Manchester United have always had that competition for places and people being in and out of the team. But obviously for myself, you want to be one of the first names on the teamsheet. That's the way you have to strive for, to strive to be the best. Nemanja's a great player and I can learn a lot from him.

“For me, it's only positive at the minute and hopefully we can go on a really good run to the end of the season with everybody playing as well.”

Fernandes has looked the part since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January and McTominay clearly admires his new team-mate.

“Yeah, obviously you see with Bruno, he's come in and he's a born winner straightaway,” he said. “You see that in training as well. He's willing to take the ball, to receive the ball in any situation and obviously play the killer pass, which is what we need as a team.

“We need that creativity, we need that spark from somebody and I feel like he's come in and had an amazing start. I can't give him enough credit for the way he has started his career here. Obviously for me, he's demanding, he's very demanding because he's a no. 10 who wants the ball so you have to give him the ball and, if you don't, then you can be in a little bit of trouble!

“But no, he's been a breath of fresh air and I'm sure the manager would reiterate that as well with the way he's come in and interacted with the group perfectly. Obviously, he's got a personality and that's what this football club needs, footballers who play for Manchester United need to have that personality on the pitch and he has that in abundance so it's a real credit.”