Man Utd transfer news: How Jose Mourinho’s Romelu Lukaku rant was directed at one person
JOSE MOURINHO’S blast at critics of his treatment of fringe players at Manchester United was directed at executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
Following Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton on Friday night, Mourinho could not disguise his displeasure at his underperforming stars.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial had been given a chance to impress at the AMEX Stadium but struggled to make an impact in the absence of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.
Mourinho said: "For many months you are always asking me why this player doesn’t play, why that player doesn’t play, why this player is on the bench, why always Lukaku?
Reuters
“You should be disappointed more than me because probably I know my players better than you, and probably you don’t know them so well to be always with these questions.”
But rather than the media, the Manchester Evening News claim Mourinho’s comments were an attempt to tell Woodward that significant investment was needed on the squad.
The report says the United boss saw an opportunity to send a message to the board and took it.
And it is claimed Mourinho’s faith in Martial and Rashford is not the same as Lukaku, who has scored 27 goals this season.
Reuters
Yesterday, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown accused Mourinho of crushing the confidence of his players.
“I think sometimes Mourinho talks too much,” Keown said on Match of the Day.
“I don’t know who that helps. These are young players you should be nurturing.
“Their cup final is coming up and he is crushing their confidence. Rashford is 20 years of age, I don’t know why Mourinho does it.”