Internet Desk: A late strike from Joe Allen forced Manchester United to settle for a draw against Stoke City at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Red Devils took the lead through Anthony Martial in the 69th minute. But horrible goalkeeping by De Gea towards the closing stages of the match opened an opportunity for the Welshman to strike from close range.
United will rue their inability to return with full points after a flurry of opportunities from Ibrahamovic, Pogba and Rashford went in vain.
Mourinho made double substitution way into the 67th minute when Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard came off for Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial. Sixty more seconds were played before Martial gave United the lead. But the hosts failed to cling on to the lead as Joe Allen made no mistake from a rebound after David de Gea failed to collect Glenn Johnson’s shot.
Soon after conceding the goal Mourinho acted instantly, throwing on Memphis Depay for Ander Herrera and United almost scored through Pogba whose powerful header hit the cross bar.
Mourinho raised hopes of a revival after the win in the last match against Premier League champions Leicester City, but a draw against Stoke City will put to rest all the talks about revival.
Manchester had a great start with Zlatan spurning a simple chance within seconds of kick-off. Pogba dribbled one defender before passing the ball to Zlatan standing in an open space. But the Swede failed to convert from the close range. Lee Grant was superb under the bar for Stoke City, playing in only his second match in Premier League.
Wayne Rooney once again could find favours of Mourinho as he could not make the starting XI. The United captain came in as a replacement for Juan Mata in the later stages of second half.
Jose Mourinho insisted there is “no problem” with Wayne Rooney’s position at the club and he will remain captain “on or off the pitch”.
Rooney has struggled for his best form this season and was left on the bench again for Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Stoke after playing in the Europa League on Thursday.
The 30-year-old was assured of his place as England captain by caretaker boss Gareth Southgate this week and Mourinho also says he backs that decision.
“Wayne is the captain, no matter what – on or off the pitch,” the Portuguese said. “He is my captain and captain of the club and the captain of the players.
“It is difficult to be the captain sometimes, but he has all the respect and support he needs. He is a Manchester United man, he is a great professional and wants to win. He has still been motivating people.
United failed to beat an opponent that started the day in last place, still hasn’t won in seven games in the league this season, and had lost on its last 13 visits to Old Trafford dating back to 1980.