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Jose Mourinho labels Marcus Rashford a 'naive boy' after headbutt red card against Burnley
JOSE MOURINHO labelled Marcus Rashford a “naive boy” after the Manchester United striker was sent off for a headbutt against Burnley.
The Reds beat Burnley 2-0 thanks to a Romelu Lukaku brace, somewhat easing the current toxicity around the club.
United’s 3-0 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night led to Jose Mourinho defending his team and personal record throughout the week.
The victory at Turf Moor alleviated the pressure on the Portuguese, but there was a bitter end to the game as substitute Rashford was sent off 10 minutes after his introduction.
After a tangling of legs with Phil Bardsley on the byline, United’s No 10 sprung up off the floor and confronted the Burnley full-back.
It was a kid and a very experienced man. Bardsley's been in the game for 20 years and Marcus is a naive boy
The 20-year-old then proceeded to lean his head in towards Bardsley’s and received a red card for violent conduct.
“I don't know what happened. I would say it was naive,” Mourinho told BBC Match of the Day.
“It was a kid and a very experienced man. Bardsley's been in the game for 20 years and Marcus is a naive boy."
Speaking about the game, the United boss reserved special praise for Marouane Fellaini, who was making his first league start of the season.
Lingard and Rashford give away shirts after Brighton game
"There were lots of good performances but Fellaini was fundamental, together with Smalling and Lindelof. Luke Shaw had a good performance and there were many others, too," Mourinho added.
"I don't remember such a comfortable performance as we've showed in the last two matches."
Paul Pogba, who’s scored two penalties already this season, missed from the spot just prior to Rashford’s dismissal.
But Mourinho defended the Frenchman, saying: ”I never blame a player for missing penalties. I blame the ones who refuse to go up there. Paul's scored some good ones for us."