Rashford is Jose’s perfect 10 for Reds
JOSE Mourinho has explained Marcus Rashford was given the No 10 shirt because ‘he wanted it.’
The striker played his first pre-season game for United in the 1-0 defeat against Bayern Munich, having returned early from his postWorld Cup holiday, and it was the first time he had played in his new shirt number.
Rashford has been given the iconic number ahead of the new campaign.
Mourinho gave him 19 when he arrived at the club in 2016 while former United captain Wayne Rooney had the 10, but following the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who wore it on his return from injury, the squad number has been vacant.
“He wanted it,” Mourinho told said when asked about Rashford’s new squad number.
“He always wanted it. Of course, he respected Rooney and then Zlatan wanted to have it. Of course, he was in the shadow, waiting for the opportunity and now the shirt is empty.
“It’s something fantastic for the kid, let’s give the shirt to him.”
Rashford becomes the third United academy graduate to inherit the No 10 following in the footsteps of Mark Hughes and David Beckham.
And it was clearly a proud moment for the 20-year-old from Wythenshawe, who tweeted: “Wearing the shirt worn by United legends, honoured.”
United will confirm their squad numbers ahead of the opening game of the season against Leicester on Friday.