Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was wrong to criticise Marcus Rashford after last Friday’s defeat to Brighton. That’s the verdict of BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson, who says United’s defence deserved flak after their showing at the Amex. Rashford started in attack with Anthony Martial against Brighton as Mourinho gave chances to his lesser-used stars. But the duo were among a number of players who failed to perform and Manchester United counted the cost when Pascal Gross scored. United didn’t manage to find a route back into the game and Mourinho pointed the finger at Rashford and co. post-match. Lawrenson has now leapt to the England international’s defence and suggested the reason why Mourinho goes on public tirades.
“Manchester United were ordinary in their defeat by Brighton on Friday, which is why I felt a bit sorry for Marcus Rashford when Jose Mourinho criticised him afterwards,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport. “If Rashford does not get many passes or chances then what can he really do? “Defensively, United were not great either but Mourinho did not want to make a point about that. “Sometimes I don’t know why he says what he does, other than to grab the headlines. “What happened to the performance we saw from United in the second half against Manchester City at the start of April? “That is the question I am asking, because we have not seen too much like it from them since.” Lawrenson’s comments came as he predicted United will draw 1-1 with West Ham on Thursday night. A point would be enough to secure second place in the Premier League ahead of rivals Liverpool.
Jose Mourinho is prepared to let Anthony Martial leave in the summer if Willian is also included in the deal. Since his arrival at Manchester United in 2016, Mourinho has struggled to get the best from Martial on a consistent basis. The France forward has shown flashes of his potential but since January has become accustomed to watching from the United bench, having been one of the major casualties the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal. Martial was handed an opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the United team ahead of the FA Cup final. But the 22-year-old failed his audition and after the match, Mourinho delivered a thinly veiled attack on the Frenchman.
