His goals have contributed directly to 12 points won by United since his extraordinary introduction in February.
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“It was an unreal feeling and even a few of the lads in there (the dressing room) said it was like taking them back to the old days when they sometimes used to get those smash-and-grab wins”.
“Our objective is only one – to be champions”.
On a couple of occasions, the midfielder did try things but when he realised they were not going to work he simply went back to the basics and did what he knew best.
“If you arrive at the club and the players are closed, it is hard to change, but the players were open”. He came on and gave us diversity in our football.
In his pre-match news conference on Friday, Mourinho was quick to state that Rashford will get chances to play across all competitions this season.
Promoted Hull began their campaign in the grip of a full blown crisis and were the bookies’ favourites for relegation after manager Steve Bruce quit before the season started, adding to a sense of upheaval caused by an ongoing takeover. “The full-back can be a trigger to start an attack, that is what we are trying to do”, he continued.
“My solutions on the bench are very good”.
He said: “The players have shown a togetherness and grouped themselves together really well through all the adversity they’ve been through”.
Five long-term injuries have left him with a threadbare squad – he had 13 senior players to face United – while the club’s pending takeover has meant no new arrivals since the end of last season.
“We might not be consistent”. This is a game that had to be cancelled in November a year ago but luckily we can play it now.
“So he goes with the Under 21s with the best mentality because he wants to play football”. Imagine I change my four defenders and I have (Matteo) Damian, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo.
“Marcus Rashford has a lot of chances waiting for him”, the Portuguese said.
“But I think top players have to have more time on the pitch than on the bench”. I feel privileged to be called up and to be a part of the national team.
“Marcus Rashford is not afraid of the big stage and he certainly does not fluff his lines when the spotlight is on him”.
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The 23-year-old spent the first half of last season on loan at Preston scoring two goals in 22 appearances before being recalled by Manchester United only to suffer a season-ending injury in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury.
