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Jose Mourinho Explains Why He Started Alexis Sanchez Ahead Of Marcus Rashford

Jose Mourinho Explains Why He Started Alexis Sanchez Ahead Of Marcus Rashford

The Manchester United forward repaid his manager's faith with a goal and an assist in the 2-0 win over Swansea.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Alexis Sanchez's time at Old Trafford hasn't exactly gone according to plan just yet but the Chilean did manage to grab a goal and an assist yesterday. His manager explained why he started ahead of Marcus Rashford.

The signing of Alexis Sanchez was seen as a great victory for Jose Mourinho and Manchester United over Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, a much needed and rare one considering how the season is going for all parties.

The former Arsenal man managed just one goal in his first 10 games in all competitions for Manchester United and found himself out of the side for United's FA Cup win over Brighton recently.

Check out our video of Mourinho's best quotes:

Yesterday he was back in the starting line up, ahead of Marcus Rashford, and repaid his boss' faith by scoring and setting up the Red Devils' two goals against Swansea.

It was clearly a good choice to bench Rashford despite his two goal salvo in United's previous league match against Liverpool. Speaking before the match Mourinho explained exactly why he'd picked Sanchez above the Englishman saying:

"Alexis is different to Marcus (Rashford) because Marcus needs more space.

"Alexis, in small spaces, can manipulate the ball better and is trying his best to be one against one (with opposition defenders). So the decisions are based on that."

Sanchez celebrates his goal. Image: PA Images
Sanchez celebrates his goal. Image: PA Images

Clearly the former Real Madrid manager believes it's a case of guile and the ability to create something from nothing versus Rashford's better pace and ability to make the most of gaps that puts his signing ahead in certain matches.

If anything it's a bit of a dig at Liverpool and an acknowledgement that Carlos Carvalhal's side would make it difficult for his side, despite being in the relegation battle still.

Rashford puts United ahead vs Liverpool. Image: PA Images
Rashford puts United ahead vs Liverpool. Image: PA Images

Rashford struck both goals in United's recent 2-1 win over Liverpool. Whilst he only started because of injuries it clearly suggests that Jose felt there would be more space for Rashford to take advantage of than there would have been against the Swans.

Despite deserving their 2-0 win United once again relied on two moments of brilliance from David de Gea to win the match with the Spaniard making two saves in the second half.

Rashford is unlikely to start next week against Manchester City with the title on the line as there won't be too much space or ball on offer.

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Topics: Football News, Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Rashford, swansea