Jose Mourinho is set to hand Marcus Rashford the chance to build on his England momentum by giving him a rare start in Switzerland tomorrow. Rashford is serving a three-game domestic ban but is free to play in United’s Champions League opening group game against Young Boys of Berne. And Mourinho is understood to be considering including Rashford in his starting line-up following his international goals against Spain and Switzerland – with the youngster’s pace likely to be a major asset on the artificial pitch in the Stade de Suisse. Alexis Sanchez, who has yet to score this season, could make way.
Before United’s win at Watford, manager Mourinho hit back at criticism levelled at him for not starting Rashford more often by producing a statistical analysis of the youngster’s appearances under his command. Rashford started United’s opening game of the season against Leicester, came off the bench at Brighton and Burnley, was an unused substitute against Tottenham and missed the win at Watford because he was serving the first part of his suspension for his red card at Turf Moor. Luke Shaw, who missed the trip to Vicarage Road following his head injury with England, could also return to face the Swiss champions. Juan Mata warned his team-mates that Young Boys must not be under-estimated despite playing in the Champions League for the first time after ending a 32-year wait to win their domestic title.
“It would be a huge mistake to underestimate them just because they aren’t as big of a name as other teams, with many of those huge clubs [Juventus and Valencia] also featuring in our group,” said Mata. “Young Boys won their league last season by a considerable margin and they have started this campaign by winning all of their matches, including those in cup competitions. “We are talking about a team that is in great form and will be facing us hugely motivated, just as every opponent does when they play against Manchester United. “It will be a tough start to the Champions League.” Manchester United play Young Boys of Berne on September 19 at 8pm.
