Mourinho on game vs Southampton: Mourinho praises Rashford, takes dig at Pogba

Mourinho on game vs Southampton: The Manchester United praised Rashford on his impressive performance, but was critical of the midfield.

It was an evening of universal disappointment between both sets of fans as Manchester United and Southampton played a 2-2 draw in the league.

The Saints squandered a two-goal lead in the first half as Marcus Rashford stepped up for Manchester United. The forward assisted Romelu Lukaku for his first goal in 14 games for Manchester United, and made an incredible run for Ander Herrera to perform a backheel for the second.

However, the spoils were shared between the two side at the end. With this draw, Manchester United are now yet to win a match in their last three games. The side lost 3-1 to City, and drew 0-0 to Crystal Palace last week.

Manchester United are currently 7th in the league. The side will now face Arsenal in the midweek clash on Wednesday.

Mourinho on game vs Southampton:

Jose Mourinho lauded Marcus Rashford for his impressive display against Southampton. The English youngster assisted both the goals for Manchester United in the game.

“I am satisfied with Marcus Rashford even if he does not score a goal,” Mourinho said.

“His work was amazing. The only thing that was missing was a goal, but I can only congratulate him for his desire and respect for the jersey.

“Marcus Rashford was a mad dog until he was very tired,” Mourinho explained about his decision to substitute the forward.

We all know that Pogba is a footballer with fantastic ability but he has been a failure for Man Utd in terms of being Wayne Rooney’s successor as the player who provides the shape to the team, he is not that player, he wasn’t for Juventus and currently isn’t for France.

— Al Foran (@ImpressionistAL) December 1, 2018

However, Mourinho stated that he was unhappy with the performance in the midfield, saying that it is important to be simplistic in approach. His comments seem to be a direct dig at Paul Pogba, who lost possession on numerous occasions while trying to trick the defenders.

“When players do not understand that simplicity rhymes with genius, especially in certain parts of the field, they continue to play football in a way too complicated [way], it is too difficult to have this continuity,” Mourinho said.

What is Pogba doing pls?? 🤣🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/igIrLXUsIv

— Elvis Tunde ⚓ (@Tunnyking) December 1, 2018

“I think because we lost a lot of balls in the middle of the field, lost so many ballns during our transitions in the last third, it was difficult to have that continuity, I think that’s the only reason,” the manager added.

Mourinho said United players need to play with their brain. Paul Pogba has seemed brainless today.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 1, 2018

Talking about the change in formation, Mourinho said, “We were in trouble with a defensive line comprising only one central defender, we tried to protect this weakness with 3 players instead of 2. It worked very well, the goals we conceded were a free kick and a good shot.”