UNITED Striker problem is a win-win for Mourinho
JOSE Mourinho has got a problem with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
But it is a question the United boss might not be bothered about finding a permanent solution to.
After the long-running saga over the pursuit of Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic hit a dead end in the summer, Mourinho had a couple of issues to sort out.
The Croatian could play left or right wing.
Mourinho addressed the rightflank poser by playing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata, with the pair interchanging during matches between the wide role and the No.10 job.
Surprisingly, both has worked.
On the left flank, however, has been either Rashford Martial.
Mourinho wanted more from the Frenchman after losing his form last season.
“We had a conversation about his future here,” Mourinho said earlier this season.
“All positive. We’re using him well and he has the right attitude. His confidence is growing. His professional level has improved, he’s working much, much better.”
Mourinho has always been a fan of Rashford, citing the Mancunian as having the work ethic and adaptability needed. accommodating it or
On United’s USA tour Mourinho said: “Last season everyone was saying it would be difficult for me to play Marcus - but he was one of the top in appearances for the team. He’s learning a lot, a great professional, great attitude.
“Last season he was not scoring goals and missing a lot of chances, which was not a drama, because that’s part of the evolution. We know he is going to score more goals than last season.”
Keeping both the 19-year-old and the 21-year-old happy will be a delicate juggling act for Mourinho. It’s early days but so far he is managing it.
Nobody can complain about the goal output as between them they have scored nine goals - with five coming when either one of them has come off the bench.
It’s fair to say that so far this season the pair are making more of an impression as super subs than starters - but both impressed from the start against Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup so could this be the start of them seizing the moment?
But even if neither has grabbed their opportunity fully from the start of games so far, Mourinho won’t be having sleepless nights while Rashford and Martial’s goal accounts keep growing.
He’s not hit on the regular answer yet but it is still a win-win situation for Mourinho.