Manchester United star Scott McTominay reveals what Paul Pogba wrongly predicted in private chat

Scott McTominay has detailed how he faced difficulty achieving his muscular body “transformation” but is proud that his persistence has brought its rewards.

The Manchester United midfielder said he had to work hard to stock up on muscle weight despite his tall height, although always had a drive for the gym. He revealed how Paul Pogba had once predicted that the growth in strength would come once he hit 23 - although this never came to fruition for McTominay.

Instead, he had to train meticulously to bulk out his stature, something that has helped him enjoy a positive campaign this season. Speaking to FourFourTwo, McTominay suggested that onlookers are somewhat unaware of the pressure players are under to hit their gym targets.

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“I think people would have their eyes opened if they knew how hard players work in the gym, and the level of intensity that’s required to push yourself to hit those goals,” the 27-year-old said.

“My body has been transformed over the past seven years. At 17 or 18 I was 70kg, at 6ft 3in; now I’m 85kg. I had to work exceptionally hard to put on muscle.

“I spoke to Paul Pogba about it once: he said, ‘When you get to 23, you’ll put on the muscle.’ But it didn’t happen and I remember thinking, ‘Where is it then?!’

“I’m fortunate because I’ve always had a love of the gym. I like to see marginal gains and I’m competitive in there. The same goes for diet and sleep – I’d say I’m disciplined and that’s something I take pride in.”