Mourinho not to stop Rashford from playing in U-21 meet for England

After initially frowning at the prospect of striker Marcus Rashford being selected by England for this summer's European Under-21 football championship, Manchester United head coach Jose Mourinho has said he has "no legal right" to block the teenager's participation.

England head coach Gareth Southgate has asked under-21 chief coach Aidy Boothroyd to select Rashford, 19, for the European meet in Poland in June, despite the player being a regular in the senior international squad.

"I don't think my opinion becomes important. The power is in the Football Association's hands and they are going to make the decision which they think is the best decision," Mourinho was quoted as saying by espnfc on Friday.

"Whether I agree or disagree, my opinion is not important. I know I am the manager of Man United, I know that, but I have no right, no legal right in this situation. They (the FA) are going to do what they want to do with Marcus," he added.

Besides Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba who have made 42 appearances for the Red Devils this season, Rashford is the highest, playing 40 times for the club.

Mourinho said that the experience gained by the teenager with United this season will make him a better player in the 2017-18 campaign.

"What is clear is, by playing in the Premier League, in Europe, in the cups, he is having an amazing experience. After the hurricane that he was last season, when he came in, this year is giving him a hell of an experience," Mourinho said.

"And because he is such a good boy, such a good professional, I believe this is a fantastic learning experience for him. We believe in Marcus, that's not in doubt."

--IANS

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