Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that striker Marcus Rashford is a doubt for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool.
Rashford looked as if he would be rested for Wednesday’s FA Cup third-round replay against Wolves but with the Red Devils needing a goal in the second half, the England international was brought on in the second half.
The 22-year-old lasted only 14 minutes, however, after a challenge with Matt Doherty left him in visible discomfort with his back and he was eventually replaced by Jesse Lingard.
Asked for an update on Rashford‘s fitness in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Solskjaer said: “I can’t tell you now. We will give him the absolute amount of time to find out.
“Marcus will have more checks and treatment today. I probably think he wouldn’t be ready. I’m not holding my breath but there’s still 48 hours, so let’s see.”
And Norwegian boss Solskjaer insisted his young squad would be up for the challenge of becoming the first team to beat Klopp’s men in the league this season, amid renewed fears of safety issues surrounding the fixture.
Solskjaer added: “[I have] no safety fears. Of course they want to try to intimidate us as long as it’s within the boundaries.
“I’ve been sat on a coach going to Anfield and whatever they shout and scream at you, you don’t really notice.
“You’ve got to look forward to these games. It’s a great challenge for our players to play against the league leaders. It can be an intimidating place but I’m sure it will be fine.”
Solskjaer confirmed he has handed Harry Maguire the United captaincy on a permanent basis as Ashley Young edges closer to a move to Inter Milan, pending a medical on Friday.
Maguire has been handed the armband just six months after his £80million move from Leicester and Solskjaer said: “Everything about him tells me that he is a leader.”
Elsewhere, Solskjar responded to earlier claims from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp about United‘s so-called defensive style of play whenever the two sides meet.
Indeed, several of the past meetings between the sides have failed to spark into life but Solskjaer said: “I don’t think it’s an accusation. I take it as a compliment that we’ve defended so well.
“When the opposition manager is frustrated that’s a good sign that our boys have done well. I think we’ve been closest to winning both games so I don’t know what the problem has been.”
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