Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho thinks that strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford can complement each other.
The
Portuguese's comments bring into question Wayne Rooney's role in the
side, as Mourinho has invested heavily in the wages of Ibrahimovic and
is under pressure to support young players such as Rashford.
With another attacking player Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the way to United and Anthony Martial already on the club's books, there will be competition in the attacking positions.
Rooney's prospects are not helped by Mourinho's admission, in his opening news conference as United manager on Tuesday, that he does not see the England player continuing in a deeper midfield role.
The former Chelsea manager made a pointed comment about how even he
himself could play impressive passes if there is not pressure on him.
Discussing
Rashford, 18, and Ibrahimovic, 34, in an MUTV interview, Mourinho said:
"Thirty-four plus 18, divided by two, is the perfect age for a football
player. So our two strikers are exactly in the perfect age, because 18
is not the perfect age, 34 is not. So I think they can be an amazing
complement for each other."
Mourinho also opened up on how he expects to play next season,
stating that it would be a contrast to the football served up under his
predecessor Louis van Gaal. The United manager explained: "As a manager I
have to adapt to what I have in hand. That is one of my strengths.
"I don't think a manager should have one style. They should be able to adapt a style to reality.
"We
want to play different to last season. Van Gaal is a top manager. His
philosophy is clear. Mine is different -- not better; different."
The
other new player signed by United is defender Eric Bailly and Mourinho
admitted "I don't know" if the player is ready for the Premier League.
Despite the work ahead of Mourinho, the Portuguese said that he needs
management "to breath" and has enjoyed the United environment so far.
Mourinho
said: "People love the club. I was previously in other clubs, lucky
enough to be in big clubs, but I didn't feel that passion. At United I
felt immediately a huge passion."
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