Solskjaer's Defense Of Criticism Of Rashford's Injury

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Twitter @PurelyFootball)

JAKARTA - A few days ago the news broke that Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford suffered a fracture of his back in the FA Cup match against Wolves. Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was criticized by many parties.

Rashford, who is British, is likely to be out for three months. He also threatens to miss Euro 2020. Former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright this week said Solskjaer was under intense pressure to increase the club's wealth, prioritizing his own interests over those of his players.

United are in fifth place in the Premier League, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in the race for spots for the upcoming Champions League. But the Norwegian manager insists Rashford is fit enough to play in that FA Cup tie. However, the 22-year-old substitute lasted only 16 minutes.

"I never put my self-interest above the team's interests," said Solskjaer, Tuesday, January 21. "I always put the team and club above other things," he said as quoted by Soccerway.

"Marcus has had a little discomfort in his back since the game against Burnley, two weeks before this game (against Wolves).

"We've scanned, we've monitored it, there are no injuries there, just complaints."

Solskjaer, whose side play host to Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday, said he had spoken to Rashford in preparation for the match.

"I spoke to him two days earlier and told him I would rest him," he said. "He said he felt fine and was eager to perform if necessary, he could do at least half an hour like we wanted to go through in the FA Cup."

Solskjaer said he has no regrets about putting his star striker on the pitch because that was part of what they did for Man Utd.

"Every time we play, we put our bodies on the line," said Solskjaer.

Now what matters most for Solskjaer is how to solve the problem without his top scorer as they struggle to finish in the top four of the Premier League.

United's attack looked weak without Rashford as they beat Liverpool 2-0 on Sunday. Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood are the only options available for the Burnley game.