Manchester United have one of the most important games coming up of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign as the club’s manager against Atalanta in the Champions League. Like quite a few times before this, the Red Devils find themselves with their backs on the wall. Interestingly, in the past, that is when they have thrived.
Over the past seven games, Manchester United have lost four times, drawn once and won just twice. It goes without saying that they need to improve drastically if they are to challenge for trophies this season.
Of course, Solskjaer has not been helped by the fact that a number of important players have spent time on the sidelines due to injuries. One of them is Marcus Rashford, who underwent surgery in the summer.
He made a return to the pitch this weekend, coming on as a substitute against Leicester City and even scoring, although Manchester United did end up losing 4-2 at the hands of Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Rashford will play in the Manchester United vs Atalanta game
Solskjaer has confirmed that Rashford will play in the game against Atalanta as well although he is probably not git enough to play for 90 minutes. As reported by Manchester United’s official website, the manager said:
"“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.”"
Rashford looked brilliant after coming on against Leicester City, perhaps the best player going forward on the pitch.
Now it remains to be seen whether he will start against Atalanta with the intention of bringing him off in the second half or whether he will come as a substitute once again like he did at the weekend.
It goes without saying that his presence in the squad is a huge boost, especially considering Jadon Sancho’s slow start to life at Old Trafford, with the former Borussia Dortmund star yet to score or assist for Manchester United.