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20th Apr 2017

Jose Mourinho provides an update on the injuries to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo

Paul Moore

There was also a thinly-veiled pop at some players he doesn’t trust.

Right now, we’re certain that Jose Mourinho is already planning for Manchester United’s weekend fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor, but it’s very likely that he’ll have to make his plans without Zlatan Ibrahimovic in mind.

United booked their place in the semi-final of the Europa League semi-finals thanks to Marcus Rashford’s winner against Anderlecht, but the celebrations were soured by injuries to both Rojo and Ibrahimovic.

The Argentine defender suffered a left knee injury and had to be replaced by Daley Blind, but things looked far worse for United’s top scorer after he left the field in a stretcher.

After the match, BT Sports reporter Des Kelly caught up with the Manchester United manager to get an injury update on both men.

“I don’t think they are easy injuries, but I prefer to wait until all the tests are done tomorrow. Then I’ll speak what I feel. The initial prognosis is fairly negative.”

Manchester United supporters are very aware that they’ve got a special talent on their hands with Marcus Rashford, but the teenage striker has endured a barren spell in front of goal this season.

Prior to scoring against Sunderland in the 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light, Rashford’s last league goal came in September against Leicester City in United’s 4-1 victory.

Despite this scoreless streak, Mourinho stated that he never lost confidence in the prodigious teenager, unlike other United players who “don’t realise what makes me (Mourinho) trust a player.”

Speaking about Rashford, the Manchester United manager said:  “His qualities are fantastic but he has not scored a goal since September, but because of his mentality and what he gives us – even when he’s not scoring goals – I always had  confidence in him. It looks like some other players don’t realise what makes me trust a player. Marcus I trust, it doesn’t matter if he scores or doesn’t score. He’s fantastic in his attitude.”

Take a look.