Speaking on the Monday Night Club on BBC Radio 5 Live, Ian Wright has slammed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Marcus Rashford’s injury blow.
What did he say?
The England international is said to have suffered a double stress fracture in his back, with recent reports indicating that he could miss up to three months worth of action. And now, Arsenal legend Wright has taken aim at Solskjaer over failing to protect the forward, and instead simply “thinking about himself”.
He said: “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he knew Marcus Rashford was struggling and played him against Wolves – now he’s out for three months. We’re talking about an explosive player that’s going to need to be right (to play).
Watch Manchester United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
“Solskjaer’s under intense pressure to get United back where they were and he’s thought about himself before he thought about the player – Solskjaer has put himself above Marcus Rashford’s health. Now, one of their most promising and most important players is out and that has to come to the manager’s door.
“Rashford has started every game and for him to play that much football, with the problems he is having with his back, you can’t mess around with that and Solskjaer has to take some blame in still playing him.”
Responsibility
As Wright alludes to, Solskjaer has to take major responsibility in the way in which Rashford is now injured. The Norwegian’s admission that he knew of the forward’s struggles, but still continued to play him, raises big questions about his management and leadership skills. Rather than thinking about the bigger picture and acting with some caution, the former Cardiff boss instead focused on the short-term gains.
Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Man United Quiz? Test your knowledge below…
And now, United are left in a position where they are without their top-scorer for a huge chunk of this second-half of the season. In this difficult campaign for the Red Devils – they are still five points off the top four – Rashford has been one of the shining lights, bagging 19 goals across all competitions. He will undoubtedly be a big miss, and Solskjaer will have to shoulder the blame for it.
Meanwhile, Manchester United fans have torn into this ace after his nightmare display against Liverpool.