OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER wants Marcus Rashford to ‘win ugly’ by adding some scrappy goals to his scoring repertoire next season.
Rashford did just that in Perth, as Manchester United began their pre- season campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Perth Glory at the Optus Stadium.
England striker Rashford, who has managed just 13 goals in his past two seasons, admitted he wants to hit at least 20 next term, a total United boss Solskjaer believes he can reach.
And Solskjaer, a master of poacher’s goals in his time playing for United, welcomed Rashford’s less-than-perfect strike as evidence the 21- year- old forward is capable of doing the same.
“It was a pleasant goal to watch because it’s not a typical Marcus goal,” said Solskjaer. “When he scores, it’s usually a wonder goal and I’ve been on to him to add those scrappy or instinctive goals from inside the box. It’s not a pretty goal, but I’ve told Marcus to add these to his tally.
“He scores wonder goals, but when he can get five or six of these a season, he’ll add to his tally even more.
“It wasn’t the best strike on the ball, but if you hit it low and hard, it might go in, and the instinct was there.
“He’s working on it and practising a lot. That instinct should be in you when you’re a striker and it’s in
Marcus, to be fair.”
Solskjaer changed his entire line-up at half- time, with
United’s side a f ter the break including wantaway
Paul
Pogba
– and overall they showed greater purpose and energy.
The Frenchman provided the assist for Rashford’s opener in the 59th minute, a clever back-heeled flick, with James Garner adding a second with his first touch in the 85th minute.
Luke Shaw came off towards the end with a tight hamstring, replaced by Garner, but Solskjaer (left) said the leftback should be fit to face Leeds in Perth on Wednesday, before United head to Singapore. Solskjaer gave debuts to winger Daniel James, a £15million signing from Swansea, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined from Crystal Palace for £50m.
James played the first half, Wan- Bissaka the second, with Solskjaer well pleased by the way both handled their first appearances for the Reds. “Both the new lads did well, both Dan and Aaron,” he added.
“You also had Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomes, Jimmy Garner and Tahith Chong, all showing they can make it as a United player.
“The more experienced ones did a job, because we got 45 minutes out of most and it was a professional workout.
“It was all about continuing the good work they’ve done, getting 45 minutes from most of them. We played against a very well organised team, which made it difficult for us to create many chances, but we did enough in the end.”
Asked what would constitute a successful campaign, after last season’s disappointing sixth place, missing out on the Champions League, Solskjaer said: “You aim for trophies and if we’re here in nine or 10 months’ time with a trophy, that’s a successful season.”
Solskjaer confirmed that his coaching assistant Mark Dempsey, taken to hospital on Friday, is returning home to the UK and will miss the rest of the tour.