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Man Utd news: Steve Nicol says United star must leave if Jose Mourinho stays
MANCHESTER UNITED striker Marcus Rashford must leave the club if Jose Mourinho stays as manager beyond this season.
That is the opinion of ESPN FC pundit and former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol.
Rashford has found game time at Manchester United limited under Mourinho.
The England man has rarely played in his preferred central position and Nicol believes his career has come to a standstill.
“There comes a time when you have to play,” the Scot said.
If Jose Mourinho stays at Manchester United, then I think Rashford has to leave
“There comes a time when coming off the bench just doesn’t cut it anymore, it’s not enough time and it’s not good enough.
“Basically for me, right now, his career is being held back.”
Nicol went on to claim Mourinho is the issue and says Rashford should go if the Portuguese stays.
“I’ll be honest, I think the problem is the manager,” he added.
“If Jose Mourinho stays at Manchester United, then I think Rashford has to leave because he won’t get playing (time).
“Mourinho will want to go and buy somebody who’s already the finished article, which Rashford isn’t. That means he won’t play.
“If (Romelu) Lukaku for some reason falls out of favour with Mourinho, Mourinho will go and buy a proven, finished article.
“He’s not interested in bringing along young kids.
“He’s already shown that with, not just Rashford, but (Anthony) Martial.
“Two young players that need to get on the field in order to improve and to show us consistently the quality they have, particularly Rashford.”
Marcus Rashford was sent off for a headbutt on Burnley's Phil Bardsley on Sunday.
The 20-year-old will miss United's next three domestic games.
They are Premier League clashes at Watford and home to Wolves and the Carabao Cup third round tie against Derby.