Jose spies set to check out Celtic star Tierney
MANCHESTER UNITED are set to run the rule over Celtic’s Kieran Tierney again at tomorrow’s Old Firm derby as Jose Mourinho formalises his summer transfer plans.
Sportsmail understands that Mourinho’s trip to Hampden Park last month, when he watched Scotland’s 1-0 defeat by Costa Rica, had initially been scheduled as a scouting mission.
Tierney had been recommended by United scouts and Mourinho was hoping to check on the left back, until the 20-year- old withdrew from the squad.
United midfielder Scott McTominay played in that friendly, but Mourinho’s travel arrangements were finalised before the 21-yearold had pledged allegiance to Scotland.
Mourinho caught up with former Scotland boss Craig Brown, to whom he became close while studying for his UEFA Pro Licence north of the border, and asked about Tierney’s development.
United are expected to have a scout at Hampden Park tomorrow when Celtic face Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
Mourinho has made it clear to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that a new left back should be seen as a priority given persistent problems with Luke Shaw. Tierney is raw and, while versatile, he may be considered more of a long-term prospect.
Mourinho, meanwhile, ruled out signing another striker yesterday as competition for Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has missed only two games all season, while Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have been on the periphery since Alexis Sanchez’s arrival.
Rashford has made more appearances than anyone under Mourinho, although many of those have come from the bench.
‘It would be amazing economically for the football clubs to have only 11 players and play with the same 11 — no injuries, suspension, fatigue,’ Mourinho said.
‘But it is not possible. At every club and every level, you need more than 11 players and only 11 can start, it is as simple as that, there’s nothing I can do.
‘Marcus is the player with more appearances since I arrived at the club, because I decide that way.’