Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently expressed his thoughts on Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United and his subsequent move to Barcelona. Solskjaer, the former manager of United, reflected on Rashford’s struggles at Old Trafford and compared him to Erling Haaland.
Rashford’s Transition and Performance
Rashford experienced his peak performance under Solskjaer. During that period, he made 135 appearances and scored 55 goals while providing 36 assists. However, after a series of challenges, he appears to have revitalized his career in La Liga, where he now plays for Barcelona after leaving Manchester United.
Struggles at Manchester United
Despite his earlier success, Rashford’s recent time at United was marked by difficulties. Solskjaer noted that it seemed Rashford was not enjoying his football anymore. The atmosphere and pressures at the club may have contributed to this decline.
Under Erik ten Hag and José Mourinho, Rashford also had significant playing time but faced challenges. He made over 100 appearances under both managers, scoring 42 goals under Ten Hag and 28 under Mourinho. However, these performances did not replicate the success he found under Solskjaer.
Comparison to Erling Haaland
Solskjaer highlighted a comparison between Rashford and Haaland, particularly regarding their energy on the pitch. He explained how Haaland consistently exhibits enthusiasm and joy while playing, a vitality that Rashford now seems to be rediscovering in Spain.
He admitted that he couldn’t define the reasons behind Rashford’s unhappiness at United but expressed hope that Rashford has found the right environment at Barcelona to enjoy his game once again.
Future for Rashford
As Rashford settles into his role at Barcelona, questions about his long-term future remain. His current performance hints at a potential permanent stay with the Spanish club after a history of loan spells, including previous stints at Aston Villa. His resurgence in form has also ensured his return to the England national team.
In conclusion, as Marcus Rashford continues to evolve as a player, fans and analysts alike are hopeful that he will regain the form that made him a standout performer for Manchester United.
