Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has said that it was "the biggest honour" of his career to captain the Red Devils against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Bruno Fernandes's absence through suspension meant that head coach Erik ten Hag had to name a new skipper for the trip to Anfield, and McTominay was the player given the armband.
The Scotland international expressed his pride after the goalless draw with Liverpool, as Man United battled their way to a welcome point against the team that had been top of the table entering the latest game week.
"It's the biggest honour of my career to captain this football club. I'm thankful to be in this position," McTominay told Sky Sports News following the clash on Merseyside.
"In football there is always things that can happen and speculation but I have a clear mind and always do my best for the club on the pitch and with no excuses.
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"I don't care what anyone else think or says about me. I just want to play well for this club and that's final.
"For a start we have a number of injuries which doesn't help the squad or help the rhythm of playing a regular team, but we knew it would be tough today.
"We had to stay calm and stick together and we had moments in the game where we had chances and could have hurt them.
"We're disappointed we couldn't make it more of a game and create more opportunities. The boys will be pleased not to lose but also definitely not happy we didn't win. It's always a hot start here and we couldn't forget about last year, but the boys did everything they could have.
"We've got a lot of young players and they conducted themselves well. I'm proud to lead them out, it's just a shame we couldn't win."
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Meanwhile, ex-Red Devils captain Gary Neville said the result would be "a huge relief" for Ten Hag considering the negativity surrounding the club entering the match.
"It'll be a huge relief to Erik ten Hag because it's been a horrible week, with what happened against Bournemouth, going out of the Champions League with an inept performance against Bayern Munich," Neville added.
"Today, there was no doubt the clouds were circling and there was no Manchester United fan, including myself, that thought United would come out of here alive.
"Liverpool have been poor, well below par in this game. Their final third play was awful. Well done to them for showing a little bit of fight. To get a point here and a clean sheet is an unexpected result."
Man United will continue their Premier League campaign with a trip to West Ham United on Saturday afternoon, before taking on Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in their final two games of 2023.
Matt Law
