Pranav Nair
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford could spend 12 weeks on the sidelines if he undergoes shoulder surgery
According to The Independent, Manchester United will decide in the coming days whether star striker Marcus Rashford will undergo shoulder surgery.
The English ace played through injury last season and was also included in the England squad at the Euros. Mercifully, he did not get much playtime and was spared the brunt of an overtaxing summer. There were plans for him to undergo surgery on his shoulder post the Euros. It would have seen him miss up to 12 weeks of action going into the 2021/22 campaign.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has, however, revealed that a decision on whether Rashford should undergo surgery or not will be taken once the player returns to the club. The Norwegian went on to add that the decision will reflect what is best for both the club and the player.
“With Marcus, we’ll probably make a decision in next few days when we check him up again, the last decision-making. What’s best for him and best for the club has to be considered.”
Rashford was United second top-scorer and assist-getter last season, trailing only Bruno Fernandes in both categories. The fact that he could do so despite his handicap is both impressive and worrying. Always used when fit, the 23-year-old missed just four matches throughout last season.
Despite his age, Rashford has made over 300 senior appearances for club and country. As we have seen over the last two seasons, it is beginning to take a toll on his body. Rather than have a debate on the matter, it is in the club’s and player’s best interests to not take chances with his physical well-being.
The fact that Rashford could miss up to 12 weeks post-surgery is a matter of concern given the importance he has in our setup. But then with Jadon Sancho now at the club, Solskjaer has options at his disposal to deploy in Rashford’s absence. He will be better off ensuring Rashford is completely fit before taking the field, even if he does not do so immediately.
The Norwegian also has to shoulder some of the blame for what can be argued as poor management of Rashford’s game time. It is incredible to think that despite his injuries, the English ace was a regular fixture in the United side.
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Still just 23, Rashford has his best years ahead of him. The last thing we should do is overplay him, especially when he is not at 100 percent. One does not have to look beyond Michael Owen or Robbie Fowler to realize that all the talent in the world will count for nothing if the body isn’t taken care of.
