Scott McTominay has revealed that it was proud Scotsman Sir Alex Ferguson who encouraged him to play for Scotland at national level, rather than England.
The Man United was born in Lancaster but is able to play for Scotland through his father, who was born in Glasgow. He made his debut for the national side in March.
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The story goes that the 21-year-old snubbed England because Scotland manager Alex McLeish made him feel more welcome than Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
But the towering midfielder said that is was actually former Red Devils boss Ferguson who encouraged the midfielder to grab his chance at representing Scotland at national level with both hands.
"When I was in the development centres I was in and around The Cliff (the United training ground)," McTominay, 21, told The Sunday Herald: "Alex [Ferguson] was there and he spoke to my dad.
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"After the memorial service for the Munich Disaster earlier this year he pulled me aside and told me: 'Make sure you do play for Scotland!'"
The player who stands at 6'4 has had a break through season under Jose Mourinho. The Portugal manager handed 13 appearances to the youngster his season.
And the boss also helped McTominay made the choice in playing for Scotland: "I also spoke to my manager at Manchester United. He told me to go and do whatever I needed to do.
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"His advice was to weigh up both sides and then go with whatever is in your heart. I had already made the decision so it was reasonably simple. I took my decision and then we took things from there
"It stands you in real good stead. With Jose and Sir Alex it is the confidence they can give you. Their belief gives you a bit more confidence going into matches."
We're sure there's more to come from this young talent, at whatever country he plays for.
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