Marcus Rashford and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Will Rashford start against Atalanta?

Wednesday 20 October 2021 07:00

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Marcus Rashford is not yet ready to play 90 minutes as the Reds prepare to face Atalanta in the Champions League.

The England international marked his first appearance of the season with a goal at Leicester City on Saturday and, after the game, the manager suggested he was prepared to make changes in a bid to spark an upturn in form.

Although that led to speculation over whether he meant personnel or tactics, the boss has now addressed what he meant in an exclusive interview with club media's Mark Sullivan at Carrington.

Rashford reveals honest and frank debriefs Video

Rashford reveals honest and frank debriefs

Watch as Marcus discusses the honest and frank debriefs that the squad regularly holds...

One of the burning questions related to whether Rashford would be drafted into the starting line-up against the impressive Serie A side, who currently top Group F on four points.

"It was a big bonus for Marcus," said Ole, referring to his goal in the 4-2 defeat. "He’s worked incredibly hard and has been focused to get himself back on the pitch; he looked like he’d never been out.

"He’s probably not fit enough for a 90-minute full game yet because he’s been out for a while. But he’s looking strong, fresh and eager, and he’ll be on the pitch at some point."

Addressing his comments about making changes, in the aftermath of the King Power Stadium setback, the manager called on the supporters to get behind the team, regardless of the 11 players out on the pitch from the outset.

“When you lose games, it’s obvious that things didn’t go as planned," he conceded. "It might be personnel or some injuries. We’ve got loads of good players and rotation is always going to be important.

"We have to go into every game with loads of energy so there will be changes in how we approach the game," he added.

“We’re at home with the fans behind us, they’re the best fans in the world, and I know how they are after the team have gone through a little bit of a sticky period. There is no better place to go [than Old Trafford] and to try to go for three points."

Read the full Q&A with Ole from 10:00 BST.

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