Rash call by Ole as Marcus hobbles off
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER admitted that his decision to use Marcus Rashford backfired after the Manchester United striker aggravated a back injury in the FA Cup win over Wolves. Rashford was sent on as a substitute at 0-0 in the second half but had to be replaced 16 minutes later. He is a major doubt for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield. ‘Yes it backfired,’ said Solskjaer. ‘I kept him away today but we needed the win. You have got to take chances once in a while. He couldn’t run. He’s struggled a
little bit with a couple of knocks in his back recently and now he’s got another one. Asked if he is worried about Rashford’s availability for Anfield, the United boss added: ‘Yes, of course I am. I didn’t want to play him but I think he got a knock from a knee in his back. ‘He’s been absolutely top this season and we’ll do everything to get him fit. He is a quick healer and he’ll play through some pain if he’s capable and it’s not a bad injury.’ Rashford, who is United’s leading scorer this season with 19 goals in all competitions, went down under a challenge from Matt Doherty. The United bench immediately signalled that he needed to come off but he stayed on for another two minutes before being replaced by Jesse Lingard. ‘That was because Jesse was down in the corner flag,’ explained Solskjaer. Rashford has struggled with back problems for so long that he brings a Melmak ultrasound machine with him to games to help ease the problem. Last night he tweeted: ‘Never want to feel like I’ve let my team-mates, the club and most importantly the fans down so did my very best to carry on tonight and was gutted to come off. Top work from the lads to get into the next round.’ Juan Mata’s goal gave United a first win over Wolves in five attempts under Solskjaer to set up a fourth-round trip to Tranmere or Watford. Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo was once again left cursing VAR after Pedro Neto had an early goal chalked off for a controversial handball decision against Raul Jimenez. ‘That’s VAR, something is wrong,’ said Nuno, who saw a Doherty headed goal ruled out for handball in the first tie with United at Molineux 12 days ago. ‘We’re afraid to celebrate and then Old Trafford celebrates a non-goal.’ Meanwhile, United are exploring the possibility of holding a warm-weather training camp in Marbella after cancelling plans to train in Qatar.