'He can't get better': Recalling Mourinho's words on playing Rashford as No.9

Over the years, Jose Mourinho has turned into somewhat of a revered figure among Manchester United fans.

Fans did not necessarily see eye-to-eye with Jose during his Old Trafford spell but as the years go by, we realise he was right all along.

When he claimed to finish second with United in 2017/18 was one of his greatest achievements, fans were quick to criticise him. Fast forward to 2022 and you know the man was right.

Lately, there have been reports claiming Erik ten Hag wants to play Marcus Rashford as a striker instead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Back in 2019, here's what Jose said about playing Rashford as a striker: "I am not going to say he cannot ever be a number nine.

"He can be a dangerous number nine especially if the opposition is not pragmatic, is not close and is giving spaces to attack. He can be dangerous in transitions.

"But when Manchester United is a team that normally plays against teams who go to Old Trafford, close the door, bring the bus, bring the double bus, he is not a striker to play with his back to the goal.

"He is not the target man, he doesn’t score as many goals as a striker should do. So I think from the side you will get him to numbers of 10-12 goals per season."

Mourinho added: "As a number nine I don’t think he has the 30 goals a season in him. I don’t think he can get better as a target man. To be better as a target man is difficult for him."