Some Manchester United fans feared for the club’s tradition of bringing though young players when Jose Mourinho was appointed manager.
The former Chelsea manager has a reputation of overlooking young players in favour of established stars, while United have always been regarded as a club that give youngsters a chance in the first-team.
Mourinho signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic did little to dispel those worries, as it appeared to threaten Marcus Rashford’s place in the team.
However, United fans will be encouraged to hear that the new manager has hinted at using them both together in a strike partnership.
Mourinho seemed to suggest that the blend of youth and experience, and their contrasting playing styles, could be effective.
“Let me start with one point. 34 is Zlatan’s age and 18 is Marcus Rashford’s age. 34 plus 18 divided by two is the perfect age for a football player,” Mourinho told MUTV.
“So our two strikers, they are exactly in the perfect age because 18 is not the perfect age and 34 is not.
“So I think they can be an amazing complement for each other with their qualities.”
Mourinho’s sides have tended to feature just one striker, so if both were to play, it would represent a departure for the 53-year-old.
There’s also the question of where to play Wayne Rooney. Mourinho told the press on Tuesday that he does not see the player’s future in midfield.
