Ole: Rashford was in the playground against Spurs
Marcus Rashford’s two-goal, match-winning performance against Tottenham Hotspur was refreshingly carefree, according to Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Rashford scored a cracking opener after six minutes and then decided the contest with a penalty he earned and put away just after the break in the 2-1 Old Trafford success. His all-round display rolled back the years to his time as a teenager.
“The boy is 22 and he played like he was in the backyard, garden or playground with his mates,” said Solskjaer.
“Sometimes, maybe, there is expectation and pressure on him because we do expect a lot from him, as he has shown [what he can do] so many times.
“We want the players to enjoy themselves. We want them to go out there and when they are facing opponents [with the ball], to take them on while having no fear of losing it.
“I love to watch that and that is what the Stretford End loves to see. United fans love to see wingers or forwards playing with courage.
“You can define players by waiting for things to happen or making things happen and Marcus made things happen by his movement, by his decision making, by being direct and positive. It is great to see. I am very happy with how he is maturing."
However, Ole did add a note of caution, saying: “We cannot expect him to be running like this all the time.
“I know the fans would want him to and we want him to. But it is natural he can’t always have this level because this was a top, top performance.”
Reading this in our app? If not, you might miss some exclusive features not found on ManUtd.com. Download the Official App here.