SOLSKJAER’S RASH TALENT
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won’t back down from protecting Marcus Rashford. The Norwegian is increasingly concerned at treatment dished out to Rashford by defenders scared of his pace.
Solskjaer had a heated touchline bust-up with Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder at the end of the 3-2 victory over the Blades last week.
The United boss was angry at a tackle from behind by Ethan Ampadu which left Rashford in a heap in the closing moments of the win at Bramall Lane.
Solskjaer believes Rashford’s blistering speed and talent make him a target for bully boys.
And he insists he has a duty of care to safeguard the 23-year-old striker, who scored twice in the 3-2 victory to take his tally for United to 12 in 20 games in all competitions this season.
Solskjaer said: “Of course I try to look after him and try to protect him. You never know in a footballer’s career if you are lucky or unlucky with injuries.
“Marcus had a back injury last year and it is mine and the staff’s job to make sure we protect him.
“Because with his talent, he is always going to be a target for the opposition.”
Rashford is due to receive special recognition for his work raising the awareness of child food poverty at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
And he has been praised by Solskjaer for staying at the top of his game on the pitch while doing his charity work. The United boss added: “Sometimes you think will this affect his football because he is such a young lad.
“But I think he has taken on this responsibility in a fantastic way and balanced it really well