Manchester United news: Scott McTominay reveals how he plans to stay in first-team despite new transfers

Scott McTominay revealed his hard work in training and self-belief is what will keep him in the Manchester United first team this season.

The Manchester United midfielder has quickly risen from the club’s academy system and into the first team, impressing under previous manager Jose Mourinho, who gave him a surprise Manager’s Player of the Year away at the end of the 2017/18 season.

McTominay knows that he is in a team that is likely to be filled with more technically talented players in his position, but he has always found a way to be part of the managers’ plans.

United are interested in signing Bruno Fernandes and Sean Longstaff regardless of Paul Pogba's future. Add these players to Fred, McTominay, Andreas Pereira, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic and United's three-man midfield is looking fairly packed.

"Regardless of what other signings come in or who plays where, you have to back yourself to be a Manchester United player," said McTominay, who has shown fierce determination since making his first-team debut in May 2017.

"That's one thing I've done over the last two years, I've always backed myself.

"I've tried to train hard and I've always wanted to do extra things to try and give me that one per cent difference.”

It’s that kind of drive that has seen managers trust him in big matches.

"When it comes to crucial times in big games like Barcelona or PSG in the Champions League, it's important you're ready for them,” he added.

"I'm ready to be a regular starter. That was my goal two years ago and last year, it has always been my goal."

Ander Herrera’s Old Trafford exit and Nemanja Matic’s slowing with age has perhaps paved the way for McTominay to become a regular in United’s midfield.

"My main ambition is to be a regular No 6, No 8, a box-to-box player - and it's important I really go for that now," he said.

"An opportunity is there and you have to take it with both hands.

"Last year I had some decent performances. It's important I carry on from that."