To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Marcus Rashford Urged To "Prioritise Football" By Manchester United Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Marcus Rashford Urged To "Prioritise Football" By Manchester United Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The England player has been increasingly involved in leading social campaigns away from the pitch in recent years.

Tom Fenton

Tom Fenton

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told forward Marcus Rashford to focus on his football if he wishes to deliver his best for club and country in the coming years.

The Manchester United forward has spearheaded a number of social campaigns and movements in recent times, but his manager is also keen to try and get the very best out of the player on the pitch as well as off it.

Rashford's most notable contribution away from the game was his work in helping to tackle child poverty in the UK.

The 23-year-old led a campaign to provide thousands of impoverished children with free school meals during the pandemic, which ultimately led to a policy U-turn by the UK government.

Image
PA

However, alongside his admirable activism, Solskjaer is also keen to see the England international live up to his full potential as a footballer.

"He is coming into the best age for a footballer and he's got a challenge on his hands here at Manchester United - and has a challenge on his hands to play for England," Solskjaer stated in Friday's press conference.

Rashford became an MBE in 2020, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester earlier this month.

However, Solskjaer says the forward must try and keep his focus on his day job.

The manager, though, does not feel Rashford's activities away from the pitch have impacted his on-field performances.

Image
PA

"Marcus has done some remarkable and fantastic things, but now he maybe needs to prioritise his football," the Norwegian boss added.

Solskjaer also gave his opinion on the leaked conversation between Sir Alex Ferguson and UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Footage of the pair talking appeared to show Ferguson doubting Solskjaer's decision not to start Cristiano Ronaldo vs Everton a fortnight ago - but the 48-year-old defended his selection choice.

"I'm quite relaxed about it. It's not really fair on the gaffer that something like this gets broadcast. You always have opinions and you speak to people in confidence," Solskjaer added.

"I told my wife quite a few times that I disagreed with him but that never made headlines as a player.

"I'm sure Sir Alex knows that it doesn't bother me. We all want to see Cristiano because he's unique.

"But the plain fact of it is he cannot play every single game. That's just physical nature and human nature."

Rashford, meanwhile, is currently on the road to recovery after having shoulder surgery in the immediate aftermath of Euro 2020.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Black Lives Matter, Manchester United, Euro 2020, Premier League, England, Marcus Rashford, Ole Gunnar Solskjær