Pranav Nair
Solskjaer plays down Marcus Rashford risk factor at Manchester United
According to the Mirror, Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played down fears of the risk being attributed to overplaying Marcus Rashford.
The English ace was forced to pull out of the England squad owing to injury but hopes to be fit to return for United. He has not looked at his best in recent games, causing some to question his form and fitness.
It is no secret that Rashford has had his share of injuries at United. In fact, he has continued to feature despite injuring his shoulder last year against Arsenal. His management team dropped a bombshell by claiming that the player has not been in peak fitness for two years now.
Solskjaer played down the concerns and expressed his belief that the club is not putting Rashford in harm’s way. He believes it is no different from what any other player goes through.
“I don’t have any concerns about Marcus’ general fitness at all. Every footballer carries a bit here and there. Very seldom do you say you’re 100 per cent fit.”
The United boss has been impressed with his player’s resilience and admits the Englishman is keen to feature regularly. It has often been the case with Rashford playing every game for United when available this season.
“I’ve been impressed by his resilience and robustness. He wants to play.”
Overplayed?
There is little doubt that a fully fit Rashford is a difference-maker on the field. However, at 23, he has already played an incredible 259 games for United.
He has been nigh on undroppable under both Jose Mourinho and now Solskjaer. It is, however, important that the United boss also looks at Rashford’s long-term career.
The likes of Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler were incredible as youngsters at Liverpool. However, both were struck down well before their prime and never went on to scale the heights they promised.
The risk of injuries and burnout is a real danger and Solskjaer will do well not to play down concerns regarding Rashford.
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One issue that may also force Solskjaer’s hand is the team’s overdependence on Rashford. The 23-year-old is the club’s second top-scorer and assist-getter and only trails Bruno Fernandes in both categories.
The difference he makes on the pitch is unquestionable and has often got United out of trouble. Solskjaer will, however, be better served by ensuring his star player is well taken care of.
