“I’m sure his chance will come”.
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In Jose Mourinho’s first few matches, there have been encouraging signs of just how well the Red Devils could do in this year’s Premier League, but on occasions like today we see that old habits die hard – especially bad ones.
Marcus Rashford, who had been on the field for 21 minutes, charged into the danger zone, ahead of the otherwise faultless Hull captain Curtis Davies, and crashed the ball in past goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.
Rashford scored twice for United on his debut and made his team win over FC Midtjylland.
A rain-soaked United manager Jose Mourinho gestures during the game.
He may only be the caretaker manager, but Mike Phelan has done a remarkable job, coping not only with the lack of new signings, but also an injury list that means he has 13 fit senior players. Rashford charged to join the celebrating supporters.
Meanwhile, United defender Luke Shaw already has one eye on his side’s Premier League derby clash with City after the global break.
Mourinho has now become the first United manager in the club’s history to win his first four competitive games in charge, as pointed out by Opta Sports.
But, importantly, it again pitchforked Rashford into the limelight. Carlos Alberto, with Porto, was 18 years old in the Champions League final [in 2004 against Monaco].
Rashford scored five goals in 11 league appearances last season and was a surprise inclusion in England’s World Cup squad after scoring on his global debut against Australia.
Despite the problems off the pitch, Hull City have made a fine start to their Premier League campaign after claiming six points from their first three matches of the season and Mike Phelan’s men have impressed many with their fearless performances.
Mourinho has clearly been impressed with what he has seen of Rashford, but insisted his striker’s match-winning goal will make no difference as to how and when he will use him this season.
United are in third place behind title rivals City and Chelsea after three top-flight games.
The Portuguese said: “Marcus is a young and talented player”.
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When asked if Rashford is better coming off the bench for United rather than starting, Mourinho replied: “No, I think top players are better on the pitch than on the bench but, coming against a exhausted [Hull] team that was trying to hold high-intensity waves of attacking football, he comes fresh, he comes sharp, and he gives them problems”.
