Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford has made a bid for a starting position after scoring twice against Liverpool. The youngster has only started twice in seven appearances in the Champions League, but could be called on for Tuesday night’s crunch match against Sevilla.
Alexis Sanchez is unhappy
While Rashford exploded with two goals at the weekend, Alexis Sanchez is unhappy at Manchester United, according to manager Jose Mourinho. Sanchez joined the Red Devils in January and signed a contract for nearly £500,000-a-week before tax. Despite his track record and large salary, Sanchez has managed just one goal in 10 matches in all competitions.
Following Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday, Mourinho was asked by the press about Sanchez.
“He’s fine. He’s happy that the team is getting results,” Mourinho stated.
“Lately, he wasn’t happy when we lost matches with him but he’s a guy with great maturity, with great attitude and we couldn’t be happier.”
Sanchez’s happiness at Old Trafford has been called into questions in recent weeks. El Pais reported that Manchester United’s board had openly expressed regret over purchasing the player. It is believed Paul Pogba has already asked for a pay rise due to Sanchez’s large weekly salary.
Making Sanchez’s start at Manchester United worse is the form of other players in the league. The Chilean has seen forwards such as Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son hit form. Some pundits have even stated they would rather have Son in their team than Sanchez.
Rise of Marcus Rashford
In Saturday’s 2-1 win over arch-rivals Liverpool, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford eclipsed Sanchez’s form. The youngster scored twice in a man of the match performance. Rashford received a rare start from manager Mourinho as it was only the 14th Premier League start for the forward. Rashford has made 13 substitute appearances.
“The good thing was the first chance he had, he got it, he scored because I think in the last two months that was not happening with him,” Mourinho said of Rashford.
“Today, a big game, probably he didn’t expect it, but we trusted him and thought the game adapted to his qualities.”
Sanchez’s signing pushed Rashford out of contention for a starting position. However, the 20-year-old’s form could see him move ahead of Sanchez in the pecking order.
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