Mourinho in the market for Manchester United striker despite faith in Rashford

Jose Mourinho insists he has been thoroughly impressed by Manchester United youngster Marcus Rashford this season despite his lack of goals – but that won’t stop him from signing another striker this summer.

The 19-year-old striker remarkably has not scored in the Premier League since the end of September, having made 20 appearances in the competition since then.

He has been outshone by the older and wiser Zlatan Ibrahimovic this term, who has 27 goals in all competitions and has been offered a year’s extension on his Red Devils contract.

And while United boss Mourinho accepts more goals will be needed next season if he is to turn the Premier League’s draw specialists into title contenders, he respects Rashford’s contribution so far.

He said: “I cannot buy a striker more experienced than Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], right?”

“We have Marcus [Rashford]; we believe in Marcus, that’s no doubt. Are we going to buy a striker? Maybe.

“I think Zlatan’s number of goals is a good number for every striker.

“The attacking player with freedom has to always reach a certain number of goals that, added between them, gives a lot of victories and points.

“I think all the others, and I’m not just speaking about the strikers but the attacking players, no-one reached that target.

“One thing’s for sure, Marcus is having amazing experience on the pitch this season, playing in every competition – Europe, the Premier League, the cups, Wembley, finals.

“He’s having an amazing experience which, after the hurricane that he was last season when he arrived, it’s giving him a hell of an experience.

“He’s such a good boy and such a good professional, I think this is a fantastic learning experience for him. Even with not scoring goals, next season he will. Next season will be a good season for him.”