We didn’t deserve top four
United teen star Rashford called up for England’s Euro squad
MARCUS RASHFORD was the surprise name on Roy Hodgson’s 26-man Euro 2016 “long-list” despite the fact the England manager has never so much as spoken to the young Manchester United forward.
The 18-year-old, who has scored seven goals for United this term, is included as a fifth striker in an extended squad for the warm-up matches ahead of the tournament in France. And Hodgson urged him to make the most of his chance.
“In an area where we are quite strong it is nice to bring in someone else as an alternative,” said Hodgson. “Possibly in a game that he plays we might start thinking, ‘We really need this fella!’ There’s no reason, if he does exceptionally well, why JUAN Mata says Manchester United were not consistent enough to deserve Champions League qualification.
And the Spain midfielder says tonight’s rearranged final home game against Bournemouth will be a low-key occasion with United now facing Europa League football next season.
He said: “It’s going to be a bittersweet farewell to Old Trafford, now we know we won’t be playing in the Champions League.
“It leaves us with a bad taste because, even if we enjoyed good moments together throughout the season, we weren’t consistent enough to qualify for the top European competition. United must be ambitious, always fight for everything.”
United still need a point tonight to finish fifth and avoid the hindrance and embarrassment of having to play a third qualifying round plus a play-off round before even entering the group stages of the Europa League. That will not be a problem, though, if they lift the FA Cup.