McCarthy scored two goals on Friday, which took him to the top of the league's top scorers, against Belenenses in a game which his team, Porto FC, won 4-1.

The former Ajax Amsterdam and Celta Vigo forward told BBC sport of his championship form with the league leaders.

"He has improved me completely," said the 26-year old striker. "For any young player he is a brilliant coach.

"He tries to know the players' personality so if you have an off day, he knows how to deal with you."

McCarthy also scored two goals against Manchester United in a midweek champions league first-leg game, which Porto won 2-1, and has given Porto a two-goal advantage when they travel to Manchester to face the Red Devils for the second-leg on Tuesday evening.

"We know it's probably going to be probably the hardest game in Porto's history to go to Old Trafford and knock out one of the world's best teams.

"We are just trying to be optimistic. If we go through it will be brilliant, if not at least we will have put up a good fight."