Mourinho: Alexis Can Only Help Rashford

Jose Mourinho believes the arrival of Alexis Sanchez at Manchester United can only help Marcus Rashford to take the next step towards superstardom.

Rashford forged a positive connection with the Chilean forward during the 4-0 Emirates FA Cup win at Yeovil Town last Friday night, when the pair linked up for the no.19's opening goal at Huish Park.

Speaking ahead of United’s trip to Wembley Stadium to face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening, the boss said he feels the presence of players like Alexis can only be a positive thing for Rashford.

"The kid is having a hell of an experience at every level so there is an amazing future waiting for him, and being surrounded by these players can only help him," Jose told reporters at the Aon Training Complex.

"Marcus's story is quite interesting because he started playing with Mr Van Gaal when the team was really in trouble to have options, and then the monster that kills the little kids arrives but he plays every game."

Rashford is the only player to feature in all 36 of United’s competitive fixtures so far this season, with 20 starts and 16 substitute appearances under his belt. “The story of Marcus not getting any minutes and matches is really old because he's a very important player for us," the boss stated. "He plays every game – starting or coming from the bench as a striker, as a left winger, as a right winger."

Rashford's goal at Yeovil took him to double figures for the season, making him the fourth United player to achieve that feat in 2017/18 after Romelu Lukaku, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.

Picked out by a well-weighted pass from Alexis inside the penalty area, Rashford initially lost control of the ball, but was able to take advantage of confusion within the Yeovil defence and fire home the decisive opening goal in the 41st minute.

Alexis also set up United’s second, which was finished by Ander Herrera, and combined well with Rashford and the rest of his colleagues throughout, before departing on 72 minutes after a pleasing debut.