Mourinho’s ‘ego’ pushing this United fan favorite to leave Old Trafford!!
Sep 12, 2016 at 2:33 PM
Marcus Rashford could become disillusioned at Manchester United because of the ‘mind game’ Jose Mourinho is playing, claims Jamie Redknapp.
The former Liverpool midfielder has recalled his days as a young player and thinking he should be on the pitch and has said the United boss will be saying all the right things to make Rashford feel like he is involved despite not having started him this season.
Rashford netted five goals in 11 appearances under Louis van Gaal last season and secured the Red Devils with a third win of the season against Hull City with an injury-time goal.
“He will say all the right things and tell him the game will be about the substitutes,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“He’ll play lots of little mind games with him to make him think he’s involved and keep him from getting frustrated.
“I remember being a young player myself and thinking I should be playing. That’s where you need a good manager to explain the situation to you.
“Mourinho’s job is to make sure this kid doesn’t get disillusioned and handle the situation carefully. He knows he’s got a genuine talent there.”
The 18-year-old striker made two appearances for England at Euro 2016, but has since been demoted to the Under-21 side under Sam Allardyce where he scored a hat-trick in against Norway last week.
Although there’s the possibility of Rashford getting game time outside of the Premier League, Mourinho won’t be able to ignore not starting the talented, homegrown player.
“That can’t happen for long, Rashford will want to play,” Redknapp added.
“There comes a time when Mourinho won’t be able to ignore the talent that’s coming through.
“Europa League and cup games may keep him going for a while, but won’t satisfy this kid for long.”
United failed to keep up their unbeaten run this season, losing to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 2-1 in the derby.
The club’s next fixture is against Feyenoord in the Europa League group stage, before they take on Watford away in the Premier League.