Mourinho’s trust in Rashford pays off with interest

MANCHESTER UNITED fully deserved their 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday as they were “always in control” of the encounter despite Liverpool’s pressure in the second half, said manager Jose Mourinho.

“We can split the halves – United first half and Liverpool second but in my opinion our first half was a half with goals and danger,” said Mourinho.

“In the second half – in my opinion it was Liverpool controlling with the ball and United controlling without the ball.

“Our team was always in control. Even in set pieces, corners, dangerous situations – we were in control so I think we deserved it.”

Two goals from Marcus Rashford gave United a 2-0 lead after 24 minutes and Juan Mata went close to a third with a bicycle kick inside the area. Liverpool had plenty of possession after the break but apart from Eric Bailly’s 66th minute own goal, they created few real chances.

“Liverpool pushed us into defensive situations, but we kept control. It was a complete performance by us,” Mourinho said. “You can be in control without having the ball, you can be in trouble when you have the ball. I don’t remember a dangerous situation to our goal. I think we deserved the three points.”

Mourinho said Rashford’s inclusion, for his first start of the calendar year, reflected some impressive form in training as well as the absence through injury of his other leftsided attacking option Anthony Martial.

“He scored two goals in a big match against a top-class opponent. Of course he was fundamental. The first chance he had... he scored,” said the Portuguese manager.

“The last few months it was not happening for him and he was feeling it a bit in terms of confidence.

“Today we trusted him and felt it could be adapted to his qualities. He is improving a lot in training.” – Reuters