And that has been echoed by Rooney, the man who has been in possession of the England captaincy.
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“Wayne’s record speaks for itself”.
The player most affected by that positional tweak is Ross Barkley, who was dropped by Allardyce in his first squad announcement since becoming coach.
Allardyce will reveal his captain on Tuesday with current skipper Wayne Rooney named as a midfielder on the squad list but Allardyce moved to clarify his playing position, although remained tight-lipped on who will get the armband.
“I can take him out”.
But that’s something that Rooney sees as a good thing for the protege, and has backed him to go on and become one of United’s most important players.
With Dele Alli included in England’s squad, it appears there was no room for another attacking playmaker. Hopefully the players will make it a lot easier or a lot more hard, like the Ross Barkley decision.
Mourinho and City manager Pep Guardiola will renew their rivalry when the two Manchester clubs meet on September 10 at Old Trafford, and Rooney said there was an air of excitement ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash.
“Hopefully he’s a star for them, scores goals for them and gives me that decision next time around on the next squad I pick”.
Antonio’s rise to the national team is being compared to that of Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, in that he started out in non-league football – with Tooting and Mitcham, a club in south London – rather than in an academy of a big club. Antonio moved to West Ham a year ago and has impressed as a right-sided midfielder, especially in the air.
Rashford’s victor against Hull was a timely reminder of the talent that Mourinho has at his disposal this season, and the youngster’s game time should improve when United’s Europa League campaign gets underway in just over two weeks time.
On the qualities he looks for in a captain, Allardyce said: “I like an on and off-the-field captain, if there is one”.
Marcus Rashford (centre) scored Manchester United’s victor at Hull on Saturday having been set up by Wayne Rooney (right).
“It’s important that he gets games because he hasn’t played that much”.
The 18-year-old made his only league appearance under Jose Mourinho when he replaced Juan Mata in the 71st minute the match against West Ham on Saturday and subsequently went on to net the winning goal.
With United set for an almighty battle with Manchester City and Chelsea for the Premier League title, they’ll need Rashford at his best when called upon.
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“He made a massive impact last season, yes, but he’s only a young man, let’s not heap too much pressure on him just yet”.
