Marcus Rashford has impressed since joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester United in January, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he cannot understand why the forward has struggled.
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has struggled to explain Marcus Rashford’s plight at Old Trafford. The Norwegian drew similarities between the United academy product and Erling Haaland, noting that the 28-year-old looks like he is enjoying his time on the pitch.
The England international started his career in La Liga with Barcelona after being loaned from United. Rashford’s future has long been in doubt with manager Ruben Amorim still in charge, but all signs point to a permanent departure for the England star, given Barcelona have the option to sign him full-time in the summer.
After being sidelined by United, Rashford has been on loan twice, first with Aston Villa and now with Barcelona, but his performances have seen him recalled to the Three Lions squad.
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Rashford made the most appearances for United, and was most successful under Solskjær, scoring 55 goals and providing 36 assists in 135 games.
Rashford made over 100 appearances under Erik ten Hag and Jose Mourinho, scoring 42 and 28 goals in 113 and 125 games respectively.
However, United legend Solskjaer struggled to pinpoint why Rashford ultimately struggled at United, confessing that he no longer seemed to enjoy his football. Surprisingly, he also admitted that he has not spoken directly to any players since leaving Old Trafford in November 2021.
“I haven’t spoken to Marcus since he left, although we do send a few emails depending on the situation,” he said on Stick to Football.
“I don’t know what happened in his life, but you can see that he is definitely enjoying himself at Barcelona now.
“He didn’t look like he was having fun here. I don’t think it’s just Man United[not having fun]it’s everywhere.”
“All the pressures, they’re all different. You don’t know what happened when the players come home in the morning grumpy. That’s the coach’s job: ‘What’s going on? You know something’s wrong.’
“We don’t know what happened but we just hope he does well. He’s a great player when he’s good and happy and he has that energy.
“Going back to Erling Haaland, the energy he always shows, when he’s on the pitch, you only see that enthusiasm and energy.
“But what is it? Life? Too many matches? We don’t know, but he found the right balance.”
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