Jose Mourinho was well prepared for every talking point ahead of Saturday’s visit of Bournemouth.
The Manchester United manager knew full well that he’d be facing questions about Wayne Rooney’s future and asked for an update on Luke Shaw, so he pre-empted the enquiries of the reporters in attendance.
As Mourinho settled into his chair, he didn’t wait for the sight of a journalist’s hand to signal for attention.
“So, Rooney to Everton,” Mourinho started… “Luke Shaw?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E7XTxZUXcY
And he pretty much nailed it.
“I will start without questions,” he continued, much to the amusement of the gathered press.
“So Wayne Rooney to Everton, I only can say that in the final with the result 2-2 with the team in difficulties, with the team possibly going to play 40 more minutes Rooney was ready to go into the pitch,” he said.
“So he’s not the player we play in the last minute or to give a gift in the winning final, you trust and are going to play your crucial change which is the last one.
“He’s selected for tomorrow with possibilities to play, start or be on the bench, so since the moment he decided to stay and to help the team and to fight for Manchester United he’s an important player for us.
“I think by giving you these two little big details I’m telling you all the talk about Everton for me makes no sense.”
After rubbishing the rumours of Rooney’s return to Goodison Park, Mourinho confirmed that Shaw was set to feature in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Jose Mourinho has confirmed @LukeShaw23 will feature against Bournemouth at Old Trafford tomorrow. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/rjkfQkM0kz
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 3, 2017
“Luke Shaw is selected for tomorrow so you won’t need to have the guys at The Lowry to take the pictures to see if he’s selected,” Mourinho added.
“He’s in the list, so one step up from not being in the final. Not even on the bench and now again like Wayne he’s selected, playing or on the bench, he has become again an option to us.
“Luke is working hard, he’s trying to improve, he improved by the physical point of view, I can say that by good dedication, specific work and now he needs some opportunities to feel alive.
“He needs minutes on the pitch to show evolution is not physical but globally because a player is not just a better physical condition.”
