Pundit explains why Jose Mourinho sanctioned this Man United transfer
Garth Crooks attempts to shed light on Jose Mourinho's decision to allow Wayne Rooney to leave Manchester United
Garth Crooks believes Jose Mourinho decided to allow Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney to leave this summer to give Marcus Rashford more game time.
The Red Devils parted ways with their long-serving skipper in the summer transfer window as Rooney secured a return to his boyhood club Everton.
Rashford has started four of Manchester United’s five Premier League games in the current campaign to underline his burgeoning talent.
The England international has already scored two goals and made one assist in the Premier League this term to help Mourinho’s side secure top spot.
Rooney returned to Old Trafford on Sunday for the first time since his move to Everton but the retired England international was unable to get on the score sheet.
Former Spurs legend Crooks believes Manchester United boss Mourinho decided to sell Rooney to facilitate Rashford getting more first-team experience.
“Perhaps one of the reasons Mourinho decided to let Rooney go was because he had the fast-developing Marcus Rashford in his ranks,” Crooks told BBC Sport. “The lad can score goals and has terrifying pace.”
Rashford scored 11 times in all competitions last season in what a mixed first season under former Chelsea boss Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach’s predecessor Louis van Gaal was responsible for handing Rashford his debut in 2016.
Rashford has already scored on his Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and England debuts.
The striker opened his Champions League account with a goal in a 3-0 win against Basel.
