Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Scott McTominay, saying the young midfielder wouldn't have been out of place in the great Manchester United teams he played in.
McTominay returned from injury for United's 2-1 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.
It was a much improved performance from United following draws against Aston Villa and Sheffield United, and manager Solskjaer was particularly impressed with 22-year-old McTominay, who was effective without being at his best in the Red Devils' midfield.
He hailed the Scot's professionalism and desire to keep improving, and said he is exactly the kind of player he wants in his squad.
"So professional," said Solskjaer of McTominay, who has been one of United's most consistent players this season.
"Not tainted by any super-stardom or fame. He wants to be the best he can. That is the kind of player I want."
Solskjaer enjoyed an 11-year playing career as a super sub striker at United, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and scoring the winning goal in United's 1999 Champions League triumph which sealed a historic treble.
He played with some great midfielders during his time at United - including Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.
And he said McTominay could have fitted into that squad even alongside such luminaries.
"He would have suited my squad, when I played," said Solskjaer. "He has come through the academy, he's one of ours. He knows what Man United means."
According to one stat touted on Twitter , United have conceded an average 0.8 goals this season when McTominay has played - but that figure jumps up to 2.3 in games he has missed.
One United on Twitter described McTominay as "the perfect replacement" for Michael Carrick, who is now a coach at United after hanging up his boots last year.
