Jose Mourinho was convinced Marcus Rashford would struggle to be a consistent goalscorer (Image: PA)
expressed his doubts about ‘s ability to be a consistent goalscorer for Manchester United, admitting his view following his sacking from the Premier League heavyweights. The 27-year-old became a staple in both the club and national team line-ups during Mourinho’s tenure, clinching the Europa League and EFL Cup in the manager’s inaugural season at Old Trafford in the 2016/17 campaign.
Mourinho, 61, was in charge of the Red Devils for two-and-a-half years before a poor streak led to his dismissal in December 2018. Post-Manchester United, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid gaffer joined Sky Sports as a pundit and faced questions about Rashford’s prowess during one particular match analysis segment.
Despite Rashford’s integral role since his breakout season, under Mourinho’s watch he only netted 25 times in 125 appearances, prompting the manager to confess his skepticism about Rashford’s capability as United’s leading striker, reports . A clip that made the rounds on social media had the caption: “Jose Mourinho couple of weeks after he got sacked by Manchester United spoke the truth about Marcus Rashford! Seeing this now and realizing that he has spoken the truth.”
In the video, Mourinho is seen telling Sky Sports’ David Jones: “For me, the point is not his age. The point is his qualities and for me, he is potentially a very good player. He’s a very good player in some models of play, he’s a very good player in some positions. As a target man, as a number nine, I don’t think he has the sort of goals that the top striker has.
“For me, he can’t get better as a number nine. He can get better playing from the left side, playing with another one as a target man but for him to be the target man in matches where United are dominant and playing against defensive teams and low blocks, I think it’s difficult for him.”
Despite netting an impressive 30 goals across all competitions in the 2022/23 season, the forward has since experienced a stark decline, managing a mere 15 goals over the past two campaigns.
?????? José Mourinho couple of weeks after he got sacked by Manchester United spoke the truth about Marcus Rashford!Seeing this now and realizing that he has spoken the truth! ????????????
— Manchester United Forever (@Utd_Forever7)
The 27-year-old hasn’t featured in United’s last four matchday squads (Image: Getty)
In the wake of the England international’s recent woes, which have seen him omitted from Manchester United’s matchday squad for four consecutive games by manager Ruben Amorim after expressing a willingness to depart Old Trafford, some supporters have rallied behind Mourinho’s previous assessments.
A fan expressed their support on social media platform X, stating: “Mourinho knows ball. It’s unfortunate he never got the support of the Glazers. Everything he ever said about United came ‘true’. And he is right about Rashford.” Another individual criticised Rashford’s perceived regression and lack of effort, posting: “His all around game has gotten worse as he’s aged. He’s been more and more selfish the older he’s gotten as well as he’s become lazy in pressing.”
Following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Bournemouth last week, Amorim challenged Rashford, who is currently the second-longest serving player at United, to step up and embrace greater responsibility as he said: “If you have big talent, big performance, big responsibility, push forward everybody in this moment.
“Some guys have a big responsibility here because they are here for a long time. This is maybe one of the lowest moments in our club so we have to face it and be strong in this moment. That’s what I want from every player on the team.”
Rashford shocked the football world when he expressed his wish to pursue a new challenge away from Manchester earlier this month. In a conversation with journalist Henry Winter, Rashford confessed: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.
“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person. If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me.”
As the January transfer window looms, Rashford could be set for a quick departure from his childhood club, but United may find it difficult to secure buyers due to his weekly wages worth £350,000. Given he once again didn’t feature in the squad for the Boxing Day defeat at Wolves, though, it appears he has no future at Old Trafford, after Amorim bluntly said: “If he’s not here, you can make your mind up.”