During a sensational season on loan at Cappielow, striker McManus hit 23 goals in 34 appearances, 20 of which helped fire the Ton to the League One title, and eight direct assists.

His tally saw him top the scoring charts of both the club — his total was the highest return since Alex Williams managed 28 in 2002-03 — and the division, finishing five clear of Stenhousemuir’s Colin McMenamin.

As well as his league winners’ medal, the 20-year-old picked up the PFA Scotland player of the year award, was named in their Team of the Year and won two Scotland Under-21 caps.

Reflecting back, a thrilled McManus says agreeing to move to Morton on loan was the best decision he has taken and resulted in him experiencing the best year of his life.

He told the Tele: “It was unbelievable to win the Player of the Year award on Sunday. I was surprised, nervous and shaking when I found out.

“It was a great feeling to pick up an individual award, but I couldn’t have done it without the boys behind me.

“Winning the award made it the best weekend of the life, and the season was the best year of my life. I’ll never forget it. Moving to Morton was the best decision I’ve ever taken.” When asked whether returning on loan, should the Dons renew his contract, is something he would be interested in for next term, he replied: “I wouldn’t rule out anything right now.

“Obviously if I wasn’t playing and Morton still wanted me, I would grab the chance. But I don’t know what’s happening [at Aberdeen] yet. I haven’t spoken to anyone.

“I’m going up to Aberdeen to watch the 20s win the league. I’ll be up until Friday and will speak to the gaffer [Derek McInnes] then to see what’s happening.

“There are a lot of very good players in front of me at Aberdeen, like big Ads [Adam Rooney]. It’s hard a job but if it turns out I’m there next year I’ll just need to try my best again.” McManus capped his spell with the Ton by scoring the final goal in Saturday’s title clinching 3-1 win against Peterhead and admitted he was on the verge of tears as he rolled the ball into the net.

He said: “I think I nearly fell over the ball about eight times before I actually put it in the net.

“I’m absolutely buzzing to win the title. It’s the best feeling I’ve had in my career and probably my life. It was the best feeling in the world.

“I was nearly in tears when I scored it. We kind of knew Forfar were losing and that wrapped it up for us.

“My mum, my dad, my brother and my girlfriend were behind the goal and they all came on the pitch at the end.”