Marcus Rashford issued a stern warning from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after side antics
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has said Belfast Marcus Rashford's Bender could act as a “wake-up call” to get the striker back to his best.
Solskjaer, who managed United between 2018 and 2022, has not given many interviews about the club since being sacked as manager.
But he waded into the Rashford debate after the player was chastised by Erik ten Hag for visiting a nightclub in Belfast and then calling in sick for training.
He was left out of the squad for Manchester United's FA Cup fourth round trip away to Newport last month but has since returned to the starting XI.
The attacker scored on his return against Wolves and Erik ten Hag emphasized that the matter has now been settled.
Solskjaer told Reuters that the player's fouls could act as a catalyst to get the forward performing at a consistent level again.
Rashford scored a career-high 30 goals last season but has managed just six so far this campaign.
Solskjaer said: “Obviously I've managed Marcus for three years and I know him. It's not my job to discuss his performances but he was fantastic last season and it's about consistency in football.”
“Marcus and many others haven't reached the top this season. I'm sure he had a wake-up call last week and hopefully that will spur him on.
“Is it the manager's job to get the best out of him, or is it mainly the responsibility of himself or any player to get the best out of yourself? I think it's more.”
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“He's had a fantastic career, with some ups and downs.
“Now we hope he will achieve that consistency because I know and we all know there is a top player. It is difficult to be at the top all the time, but it takes sacrifice.”
Solskjaer breaks his silence on Rashford after Gareth Southgate also said he is keeping a close eye on his England players before choosing his next England squad.
When asked about Rashford's partying, Southgate said: “We are five weeks away from choosing a squad. So much happens to players in the period between November and March that we always keep an eye on everything on and off the field.
“In a few weeks we will have to make decisions about the entire team and a lot of attention will be paid to that, because it is the last team before the European Championship.”
He also confirmed he had not yet spoken to Rashford about his off-field crimes, saying: “I haven't spoken to many of our players at all since December. I let them get on with their club football.
“Generally they are back from their clubs and it is not for me to interfere.”
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