Mitrovic has nothing to prove says Marco Silva
Fulham boss Marco Silva insists Aleksandar Mitrovic has nothing to prove when he returns to Old Trafford after an FA Cup meltdown in March.
Mitrovic was handed an eight-game ban after catching referee Chris Kavanagh in Fulham’s FA Cup quarter-final loss to Manchester United.
The Serbian striker has scored three goals in two games since returning from suspension – taking his tally for the season in all competitions to 15 – and ends his best top-flight campaign on Sunday at Old Trafford.
When asked if Mitrovic would be particularly excited against United, Silva replied: “No, not at all.” Mitro does not need this type of incentive.
“I think he showed in 25 minutes against Southampton that it doesn’t matter which club he plays against (and) last week against Palace.
Aleksandar Mitrovic was sent off in Fulham’s FA Cup quarter-final loss to Man United
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“He’s Mitro, he doesn’t need to play against certain types of teams or in certain situations to be more motivated.”
Fulham will end the campaign 10th no matter what happens to United – their first finish in the Premier League’s first half since ninth in 2012 – but the Cottagers have a powerful incentive to end the season with a bang.
Victory will set a new Premier League points record for the club, a draw will equal the 53 points achieved in 2008-09 under Roy Hodgson.
Silva said: “It’s been a brilliant season for us, there’s no doubt about it. For everything, not just because of the position that we should be proud of.
“The position we are going to finish, the way we get there. The way we continue to improve the individual and the collective of our team. It was really good.
“We knew before the start of this season that it would be crucial for this club to stay in the Premier League.
“Credit to the players because of the good mindset, they are always ready to learn and work.”
“They also bought our ideas and our philosophy on how we are going to play football.”
United secured a place in the top four and Champions League football next season by beating Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday.