Coach Solskjaer hails Rashford after United crush Norwich

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was all praise for Marcus Rashford, who marked his 200th appearance for Manchester United with a brace in their 4-0 victory over Norwich on Saturday.

Anthony Martial and teenager Mason Greenwood were also on the target for United as Solskjaer’s men kept their hopes of Champions League qualification alive for next season by top finishing in the top four.

But all lot will depend on the fitness of Rashford, who is battling a niggling injury on and off, was declared doubtful for Wednesday’s FA third-round replay with Wolves due to the same reason.

Solskjaer admitted he would be careful about Rashford’s fitness, little wonder given that the 22-year-old has now scored 19 times in his past 23 games for United and England.

“What an achievement, to get to 200 games at his age,” said the Norwegian boss.

“I don’t know how many goals he has scored but he has 19 (for United) this season and he’s been absolutely top class to work with. He’s a great kid, great attitude, he wants to learn, wants to improve but knows he has to keep his feet on the ground but is always available even though today he is carrying quite a few knocks. He’s played many, many games, I might have to look at how we manage him but of course he can get so much better. He’s got everything to be a top-class player.”

Rashford now has 64 goals in his United career, with the 63rd of those coming in the 27th minute after largely unrelenting home pressure, although the goal owed everything to a fantastic assist from Juan Mata. The Spanish playmaker received a long pass from Victor Lindelof and, after Todd Cantwell backed off a little too far, had the space to float in a perfect cross which Rashford volleyed in at the far post.

David de Gea was required to make a superb save late in the first half to keep their lead intact, diving well to claw away a curling shot from Cantwell.

But that was a rare lapse from a United side that dominated for the bulk of the game and should have been enjoying a more comfortable cushion by the interval.

Agence France-Presse