Man United star Rashford a doubt for Liverpool game
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his decision to risk Marcus Rashford as a second half substitute “backfired” despite seeing his side progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Wolves on Wednesday.
Rashford lasted less than 15 minutes on the field due to a back injury and is now a doubt for the trip to runaway leaders Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
The brief cameo from United’s top goalscorer coincided with the only goal of the game as Juan Mata’s clinical finish ensured United will travel to either Watford or Tranmere on Jan 26.
“That backfired, but you’ve got to go for them,” Solskjaer told BT Sport.
“He’s got a knock and couldn’t run. Let’s test him for Sunday and see how he goes.
“He’s had a few knocks with his back lately and he got another one.”
Wolves put United out of the FA Cup last season and were unbeaten in five previous meetings between the sides since returning to the top flight in 2018.
“We are delighted to finally beat Wolves,” added Solskjaer. “We have had a few goes.”
Rashford had come off on Saturday after scoring twice in a 4-0 thrashing of Norwich, with Solskjaer admitting the England international is carrying “quite a few knocks.”
The Norwegian still ran the risk of introducing his star striker 25 minutes from time and within three minutes United led.
Rashford went down holding his back and was replaced by Jesse Lingard.
His absence could be a huge blow to United’s fight for a topfour finish in the Premier League and in three cup competitions with Solskjaer’s side also still in the League Cup and Europa League.
Cardiff set up a fourth-round visit to Reading by edging a seven-goal thriller against fourth-tier Carlisle United 4-3.
He’s got a knock and couldn’t run. Let’s test him for Sunday and see how he goes. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer