Just keep your eye on the ball
RASHFORD ‘HAS TO FOCUS ON FOOTBALL’ 3PM
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer has told Marcus Rashford to focus now on his football.
Rashford will be in Manchester United’s squad for the first time this season at Leicester today after recovering from shoulder surgery following Euro 2020.
The England forward has seen his profile soar away from football, with his work to tackle child food poverty and other social issues.
But United boss Solskjaer has told Rashford, 23, he must now put all of his energy into delivering on the pitch.
Solskjaer said: “I know we will see the best of Marcus in the years to come.
“He’s done remarkable things at a young age, but he’s now coming into the best age for a footballer.
“He’s learning, getting more experienced and he has time to reflect on what he’s done off the pitch as well, because he’s done some fantastic things.
“Now maybe prioritise his football, because he’s got a challenge on his hands here at Manchester United.
“He has a challenge to play for England, and Marcus takes up those challenges.
“He knows we want a lot from him, but we’re going to give him the time to get back to what he was and show what he can be.”
Rashford has bulked up in the gym during his lay-off to give himself the best chance of staying free from injury. “He does look fresh,” said Solskjaer.
“He looks keen, fit. He’s bulked up a bit, with muscle.
“The time away for him was the time maybe to focus on himself and – I don’t want to say get back to being himself – but Marcus Rashford running around with enthusiasm, running in behind, not having to take on too much responsibility, is a great sight to see.
“He comes back into a different team. He’s got Jadon Sancho here, Mason Greenwood’s grown, Cristiano Ronaldo is here.
“I want to see that smile and enthusiasm he’s shown so many times and when he comes on the pitch, if he starts or even if he doesn’t, just enjoy and express himself. That’s what Manchester United players do and that’s what we want.”
United want Jesse Lingard, who is out of contract in the summer, to sign a new deal after he rejected the club’s initial offer.
Solskjaer said: “We want to prolong his contract. We see him as an important player for us.
“Hopefully, we can get a deal sorted out for Jesse, because we really rate him.”