Rashford's Injury That Adds To Manchester United's Misery
JAKARTA - Already losing key midfielders Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay who suffered serious injuries, Manchester United are now facing the possibility of being without top scorer Marcus Rashford. In fact, the Premier League is entering crucial times.
The England international forward suffered a back injury during a brief appearance in the FA Cup third round win against Wolves. At that time, coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thought Rashford's injury was not severe, now it's the opposite.
Reports first appeared when United beat Liverpool 0-2, Rashford actually played in a state of endure pain. Solskjaer then confirmed that the striker had suffered a fracture. This means, he has the potential to be sidelined for three months.
Because of this, Solskjaer admits United may be forced to find "short term" solutions in the transfer market. This is because only Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial are left on the front lines of the Red Devils.
Never want to feel like I've let my teammates, 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 👊🏿 pic .twitter.com/ZLpxiqhtq3
- Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) January 15, 2020
What players might Solskjaer sign for? First, there is the name Paco Alcacer. The Spain international has had a unique time at Dortmund. He scored 18 goals in the Bundesliga last season despite only starting 11 times. Meanwhile this season, in six appearances as a strater in 11 matches he has scored five goals.
While Alcacer is a completely different type of attacker for Rashford, he does represent the kind of striker United don't have, because he is a hunter. After the arrival of Erling Haaland - who scored a hat-trick on his debut with Dortmund - Alcacer might be hooked by Manchester United.
Then there's Edinson Cavani. Out of use at Paris Saint-Germain, the Uruguay striker has asked to leave before his contract expires at the end of the season. A proven and highly experienced goalscorer, Cavani will certainly provide United with a focal point they can aim for and play even though they may not be completely suited for a game that relies on counter-attacks.
The third name comes from La Liga. Since returning to Madrid in 2018, Mariano has had a difficult time. Injuries that have come and gone have affected his chances of being included in Zinedine Zidane's squad. He hasn't featured in La Liga this season, but that doesn't mean Mariano is a bad player. Quick, technically good and of course capable of scoring goals, he might fit United's style of play better than Alcacer or Cavani.
Now, the choice rests with Solkjaer.