Jose Mourinho launched an astonishing tirade, perceived to be targeted at misfiring duo Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, in the aftermath of Manchester United’s shock loss at Brighton & Hove Albion, claiming they simply weren’t good enough against the Seagulls.
“Not good enough, because the players that replaced others didn’t perform at a good level and when individuals don’t perform at a good level, it’s difficult for the team to perform at a good level,” a Mourinho fumed to Sky Sports.
Pascal Gross’ 57th-minute header proved to the difference on Friday night at the Amex Stadium as the Seagulls secured a memorable 1-0 win over their fancied opponents and effectively confirmed Premier League survival.
With top scorer Romelu Lukaku recovering from an ankle injury and Alexis Sanchez afforded the night off, Mourinho started Rashford and Martial up top alongside Spaniard Juan Mata but the trio lacked cohesion all night.
“Maybe now you understand why some players play more than others and you don’t ask why A, B or C don’t play more,” Mourinho added, clearly talking about Martial and Rashford.
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The duo has struggled for game time this season, for after Alexis Sanchez’s arrival in January, Mourinho’s first-choice attack trio has been Romelu Lukaku, Jesse Lingard and the Chilean.
As a result, Rashford and Martial have been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer after having grown frustrated at the lack of first-team opportunities under the Portuguese tactician.
“I wouldn’t say I am disappointed because I know them (the players) but for some of them, the possibility to start the game, the possibility to give reason to the ones that during the season are always critical towards my choices – why always Lukaku, why always Lukaku, why always Lukaku.”
When fit, Lukaku has been United’s undisputed No.1 forward and the Red Devils are said to be seating over his fitness as the FA Cup final nears.
The Belgian injured his ankle during last week’s win over Arsenal and is in his homeland getting treatment done as he strives to get fit in time for the May 19 clash with Chelsea.
“Now you have the answer why always Lukaku. Why always this? Why always that? You have the answer. Probably we are not as good individually as people think and I keep saying that to finish in the top four is great and it’s more than great if we finish second, but now we need four points and we must try to get them,” Mourinho added.
The Red Devils are virtually assured of second place in the Premier League as they lead Liverpool by five points, with both sides having two games left to play.