When you put your hand up to take a penalty you are already a winner... I know brave Marcus will put his hand up when United need him
SOLSKJAER HAILS RASHFORD’S MENTAL STRENGTH AND SHAW’S GOAL PROWESS
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is certain Marcus Rashford has the strength of character to put his shootout miss behind him.
And he is sure the striker would not shy away from taking responsibility for club or country if called on again.
“When you step up to take a penalty, I think you’ve already won,” said Manchester United boss Solskjaer.
“You’ve taken on the responsibility and I’m
sure many of the players are hoping I don’t want to take a penalty.”
Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka - who all failed from the penalty spot were subjected to vile racist abuse on social media following the shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro final.
But Solskjaer praised Rashford for having the courage to volunteer having only come off the bench late in extra-time.
And he added that Rashford (left with the Reds boss), who has taken high-pressure penalties for United in the past and scored, will continue to put himself forward for spot-kick duties. “It’s a great character trait to step up and say, ‘I will deal with it and the consequences’,” he said.
“You might be the hero or the one who misses. That’s football. You learn from it and definitely come back stronger.
“I’ve not seen many people, at this club anyway, who lay down and say I’ll not take a penalty any more. I know
Marcus is going to put his hand up and say he wants to take one for us.”
Solskjaer was full of praise too for Rashford’s United team-mate Luke Shaw, who scored England’s opener in the final after two minutes (below) and had an outstanding tournament. As well as his goal, Shaw (celebrating right) contributed three assists, his impressive display following his best season for United after several tough years at Old Trafford.
“I’m so happy for Luke,” said Solskjaer, reflecting on Shaw’s goal. “I was watching it and was like, ‘What’s just happened?’ He started
the attack and we’ve encouraged him to get into the last third.
“We know how technically gifted and skilful he is, and he hit the ball very, very sweetly.
“He keeps his eye on the ball, straight laces and it’s margins again – off the post and in, not off the post and out. That’s football for you. Luke deserves all the luck he can get. He’s had a tremendous couple of years with us.”
Solskjaer said he sympathised with Gareth Southgate, his players and the millions of fans who craved a win after reaching a major final for the first time in 55 years.
“Obviously, we know the feeling the whole of
England had after the game,” said Solskjaer.
“One kick decides the whole mood. An even game, maybe
Italy bossed possession a little bit, but when it comes to penalty shootouts, anything can happen, as we know from our own last game.
“It’s hard on the boys, but that’s football sometimes.
“You have to deal with and move on.”