Marcus Rashford’s camp were reportedly unhappy at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s comments that the Manchester United star should “prioritise his football”.
The England international returned to the football action for the first time on Saturday after his shoulder surgery as United lost 4-2 to Leicester – but Rashford was on the scoresheet.
Rashford, who became an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2020 for his free school meals campaign, was affected by the injury during the latter part of last campaign.
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It affected the player’s movement and training, but he still played 57 matches in all competitions for the Red devils, scoring 21 goals and making 15 assists.
Speaking ahead of the game against Leicester, Solskjaer said: “I know we’ll see the best of Marcus in the years to come. “He’s done remarkable things at a young age and he’s now coming into his best age for a footballer.
“He’s learning. He’s getting more and more experience. He’s had time to reflect on what he’s done off the pitch as well, because he’s done some fantastic things, and now maybe prioritise his football and focus on football.”
However, The Athletic claims that Solskjaer’s comments that Rashford should “prioritise his football” have not gone well with those who believe Rashford could hardly put greater emphasis on his sporting career’.
They echo comments from certain news outlets, supporters and pundits that he should “stick to football” rather than put his effort into good causes. The report also adds that ‘his camp are understood to be upset that Solskjaer has conveyed a similar notion, even if no harm was meant’.
The report continued: ‘United argued Solskjaer’s words were misinterpreted — and it is clear he was praising his player — but what the Norwegian said became headline news.’
Meanwhile, Nemanja Matic has urged unity at Old Trafford after their poor performance at Leicester.
