Man United boss Solskjaer explains decision to play Rashford and Fernandes against Real Sociedad
Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer clarified his selection of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes in the second leg against Real Sociedad (h/t Football.london).
It was a questionable decision given Manchester United pretty much secured qualification with their first-leg result where they scored four without reply.
A goalless draw in the second leg made no difference as United are now set to face AC Milan in the Round of 16. While a lot of players were rested for the game such as De Gea, Harry Maguire, etc., we saw two of United’s most important names play one half each.
Bruno Fernandes started the game and was replaced by Marcus Rashford at halftime. Solskjaer went on to provide reasons for seemingly risking his most important players in a dead rubber game with a fixture such as Chelsea waiting on Sunday.
“I’ve got to say that they are very very fit athletes who recover well, normally they play every game for the full 90 minutes so I was very pleased to get them 45 minutes each.
“Forty-five minutes on a Thursday is good preparation for a Sunday, definitely better than no minutes and then maybe training too much tomorrow because they are eager, and they might over-cook it.
nited is congratulated by team mate Bruno Fernandes (r) after scoring their sides first goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester United at Bramall Lane on December 17, 2020 in Sheffield, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Peter Powell – Pool/Getty Images)
The manager also went on to express his relief that neither player picked up any injury on the night.
“I am very pleased with the two of them not having any injuries because that’s the risk I always take with playing them, minutes is fine, but every tackle or sprint, you’re a bit worried.”
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With European games to come later in March, United will now have to concentrate on the league. They cannot afford to drop points at all given how relentless Manchester City have been at the top of the table.
