Man Utd star Scott McTominay laughs off claims he was ‘bullying’ Alejandro Garnacho after booting hat away in training

SCOTT MCTOMINAY has laughed off claims he was “bullying” Manchester United team-mate Alejandro Garnacho.

Back in November, ahead of United‘s clash with Real Sociedad, the 26-year-old was pictured swiping a woolly hat from Garnacho‘s head before booting it away.

GettyAlejandro Garnacho fell victim to a prank from Scott McTominay in training[/caption]

GettyBut the Scot has hit back at claims he was “bullying” the teenager[/caption]

However, some fans were not happy with the move and labelled McTominay a “bully.”

But the midfielder has insisted it was simply a joke – and revealed another tactic behind the move.

Speaking to The Athletic, a laughing McTominay said: “I had a lot of people saying that was bullying!

“That was just a bit of a joke.

“But he needs to keep his feet on the ground and keep working hard and he can be one hell of a footballer.”

And it seemed to pay dividends when days later Garnacho provided an assist from McTominay in United’s 4-2 victory over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.

The 18-year-old has rocketed into prominence this season under Erik ten Hag.

He has scored two goals and provided an additional pair of assists in nine games and was back in action as United beat Burnley 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.

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But the winger has not had it all his own way at Old Trafford.

World Cup star Bruno Fernandes, who also played a scintillating pass in the build up to the Red Devils first goal against Burnley, revealed Garnacho’s attitude was an issue at the start of the season.

Speaking after Garnacho’s winner against Sociedad, he said: “He was good but he knows we expect at lot from him. He’s still really young. He’s doing really well.

“At the beginning of the season, not at his best, on the pre-season tour he didn’t have the best attitude that he should have and that’s why he didn’t get his chances until now.

“He didn’t get his chances before because he was not good enough in training and not good enough mentality-wise.

“Now he’s getting chances because he’s changed that, he’s training better, he’s having a better attitude and he deserves his chances.

“Everyone is really happy for him and pleased with his goal.”