Why Manchester United have a picture of Lionel Messi pinned up in academy dressing room

While there are many Old Trafford icons Manchester United could plaster over their academy dressing rooms – David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Gary Neville spring to mind as some of the more obvious candidates – it seems the club has opted to display a picture of a legend who has never played for them instead.

In what may prove to be a controversial move considering their historic association with Cristiano Ronaldo – at least among the sort of people who argue over who’s better in the comments section of the ‘Soccer Memes’ Facebook page – United have blown up a picture of Lionel Messi and hung it on the wall of one of their academy dressing rooms.

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According to Henry Winter’s latest feature in The Times, the image of Messi cleaning his boots is meant to send a message about humility and groundedness to United’s young players. The photo was taken after a friendly between Argentina and Croatia at Upton Park back in 2014.

If Messi still cleans his boots, United’s academy graduates can certainly do the same. Likewise, if one of the greatest players in the world still has his feet on the ground, it’s evidence that nobody need have too big an ego and that a bit of humility can go a long way.

McTominay following Messi’s example

Winter also reports that Scott McTominay, the breakthrough midfielder who has made 20 appearances this season at the age of 21, still parks his car in the academy car park as opposed to with the first-team players.

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It seems McTominay has taken on the modest mantra which is meant to be embodied in the picture of Messi, an attitude which is apparently noted among up-and-coming players and which United’s coaching staff feel will stand them in good stead.