PAGES 96-99 JOSE’S RASH BLAST
Mourinho raps young United star over his attitude
MARCUS RASHFORD has been reprimanded by Jose Mourinho over his attitude as the Manchester United manager cracks down on his wayward stars.
Sportsmail understands that Mourinho criticised Rashford after United’s Champions League win over Young Boys in Bern last week for failing to complete a proper warm-down.
Rashford was substituted in Switzerland after a below- par display and did not follow the instructions from coaching staff after the game. Mourinho then challenged the 20-year- old striker and warned Rashford that he is not too important to do as he is told.
There have been concerns about Rashford’s attitude at United since he returned from England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia this summer.
The youngster continues to adjust to fame and the frustration of a
limited role under Mourinho. It got the better of Rashford when he was sent off for a rare show of temper in a clash with experienced defender Phil Bardsley at Burnley earlier this month. But he is available again to face West Ham tomorrow following a three-match domestic ban. He was one of several players singled out for criticism in a recent team meeting by Mourinho despite the club having enjoyed three straight wins. United went on to only draw at home to Wolves and then lost on penalties to Derby in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Mourinho is determined to assert his authority on the squad amid fears that his very public falling-out with Paul Pogba could split the United camp in two. Rashford is understood to be on the periphery of a young group close to Pogba that includes Anthony Martial, Eric Bailly and Andreas Pereira. Mourinho is said to have questioned Pogba’s leadership qualities in the same meeting after the Frenchman captained United against Young Boys in the absence of Antonio Valencia. Pogba was subsequently summoned to an 11am meeting with the manager at United’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday after two days off and stripped of the vice-captaincy.