Manchester United’s Scott McTominay has revealed how playing snooker as a youngster helped give him the competitive nature needed to become a Premier League star.

The talented Old Trafford central midfielder has recalled how snooker made him eager not to lose matches – no matter what sport he was playing in.

McTominay has started both Manchester United’s Premier League games so far this season and is expected to feature more throughout the season, possibly as a regular starter.

He is rated so highly that he has been chosen to be on the cover for the computer game PES (Pro Evolution Soccer) 2020 alongside footballing superstar Lionel Messi.

The 22-year-old told Sky Sports that playing snooker helped in someway on his journey to being a professional sportsman.

He said: “Me and my Dad, when I was younger, we used to do the cross country. I used to do that at school, we used to go on 5km runs on the promenade in Morecambe.

“There was big competition between us. He’d say, ‘I’ll beat you,’ and I’d say, ‘No chance’. That’s where the competition comes from.

“Even playing snooker in the back garden, if he ever let me win I would be fuming because that is just taking the mick. I would never have it.

“They’re the lessons that I look back on and think that’s why I cannot accept losing.”