Rashford's new number may mean he plays a bigger part for Mourinho

It’s been a pre-season tour full of gloom for Manchester United and their Ministry of Misery Jose Mourinho.

He’s not had the players he’s wanted, the results he would like or the call he desperately needed to take bringing the news some big summer deals were over the line.

The United boss has had a face like he’s been dragged to Skegness with his grumbling grandma rather than some of the world’s finest cities in the last two weeks.

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But finally last night their came some good news, and something to make everyone smile.

Marcus Rashford has been given the Reds’ number 10 shirt for the new season and the United fans are on board.

Although that could be a hint there is now no chance of luring Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich, it represented a rare moment of positivity on a trip Mourinho wish he didn’t take.

Hard work pays off. Rashford cut shot his two-week post World Cup holiday to return early and the boss is clearly pleased with his attitude.

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“He’s always wanted it (the number ten shirt),” Mourinho told ESPN. “Of course, he respected (Wayne) Rooney.

“And then Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) wanted to have it. Of course, he was in the shadows waiting for the opportunity.

“The shirt is empty. It’s something fantastic for the kid, let’s give the shirt to him.”

Rashford has scored 32 goals in 123 games for United and said he is proud to wear number 10.

The Red Devils begin their season on Friday night when they face Leicester City at Old Trafford.