RASH’S SPAIN RELIEF
Ole won’t risk playing striker for 90 mins
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER insists he won’t flog Marcus Rashford to death ahead of the Euros.
Rashford has made 48 appearances for club and country this season despite nursing problems with his back, shoulder and ankle.
The Manchester United ace pulled out of the last England camp injured and hobbled out of Sunday’s win over Brighton at Old Trafford after suffering a recurrence of his foot problem.
He is expected to undergo an operation on his troublesome shoulder following this summer’s Euros.
England boss Gareth Southgate is worried that Rashford will be a spent force by the time the international tournament starts in June.
Solskjaer will take the 23-year-old to Granada for United’s Europa League quarter-final first leg in Spain tonight – but admits he will not be able to last the full 90 minutes.
Yet the United boss remains adamant he will not make Rashford play through the pain barrier and leave him facing burnout ahead of this summer’s major competition.
Solskjaer said: “I don’t pick players when we know there is a risk.
“There’s always a risk when you step out on to the pitch, but if the physio says it’s too much of a risk I would never pick him.
“Marcus joined in training this morning and let’s see how he reacts. His back has recovered and it’s a tough one. He wants to play and wants to give his all for us.
“We’ll listen to what he says, like we did on Sunday when he came off and said it was too sore.”
Solskjaer, meanwhile, admits David de Gea is no longer his No.1 keeper and wants him to get used to not being an automatic choice any longer.
Dean Henderson has started the last seven games for United and Solskjaer
added: “I cannot prioritise the league or Europa League.
“The next game is the most important one.
“Every time I try to explain to players why they aren’t playing – all those discussions remain private.
“David has been a top keeper and is still a top keeper.
“I’m very comfortable playing with David or Dean and I’m pleased that neither of them are happy to be a sub. I was there myself as a striker. We signed Ruud van Nistelrooy, Diego Forlan, Louis Saha, loads of top strikers – Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham.
“The aim for me then is to prove to the manager that, ‘Okay, I don’t mind you signing these, but I’m still important for you and I’m still going to give everything I can to play.’”