Those close to Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford are thought to be upset at comments made by Ole Gunnar Solksjaer before Saturday’s 4-2 defeat to Leicester City, reports The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The United boss suggested that Rashford needs to “prioritise his football” as he looks to come back into the fold for both club and country after time on the sidelines due to shoulder surgery.
Rashford has persistently been told to ‘stick to football’ by social media users, despite his activities achieving great things in society, particularly around child food poverty.
Marcus Rashford Camp Upset by Manager’s Comments
What Was Said?
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the Leicester game last week, Solskjaer said: “I know that we will see the best of Marcus in the years to come.
“He has done incredible things at a young age but he is now coming into the best age for a footballer and he is more experienced.
“He has had time to reflect. You know what he had done off the pitch as well, because he has done some fantastic things, and now to prioritise, maybe prioritise his football and focus on football because he’s got a challenge on his hands here at Manchester United, he has a challenge on his hands to play for England.”
Yes, overall the comments were positive towards Rashford. But the standout line, which was unsurprisingly picked up by the media over the weekend, was the call to prioritise his football.
Given that Rashford has been in the news for so many (good) reasons other than football in the last couple of years, it is perhaps easy to forget how important he has been to his club.
In each of his five full seasons he has played around 50 times, and he has exceeded the 20-goal mark in the last two campaigns, and that’s all while playing in a number of different positions under three separate managers.
As written in Ornstein’s column, Rashford has been noted as one of the most dedicated professionals at the club and those close to him are upset that the manager felt the need to mention his priorities, regardless of intent.
Had Manchester United not fallen away in the closing stages against Leicester, it could have been the perfect response from Rashford as it was he who equalised for United late on, having come on as a substitute for his first appearance of the season.
If he can continue in a similar vein, his ‘priorities’ will no doubt become clear to everybody.
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