Solskjaer Fires Warning To Rival Clubs About 'Bulked Up' Manchester United Striker

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes one of his strikers will make a powerful comeback this season.

Marcus Rashford has been out since July due to a shoulder injury. He had just finished surgery, but Solskjaer has already included him in Manchester United’s squad for Saturday's English Premier League clash against Leicester City.

Speaking ahead of Rashford’s possible return, Solskjaer teased what rival clubs could be in for as he raved about the forward’s mentality in taking on the “challenges” waiting for him.

According to the Red Devils boss, Rashford will be coming in strong mentally and physically.

"I know that we will see the best of Marcus [Rashford] in the years to come," Solskjaer told Manchester Evening News. “I think Marcus is one of those who take up those challenges and is going to. He is going to express himself and his talent, and he knows that we want a lot from him, but we are going to give him the time to get back to what he was and what he can be.”

"He does look fresh,” the coach added of the player. “He looks keen, he looks fit. He's bulked up a little bit, some muscle.”

Despite being bothered by a shoulder injury, Rashford, who was Manchester United’s primary center-forward last season, finished the 2020-21 campaign with an impressive tally of 21 goals across all competitions.

Having bolstered the squad in the summer with the addition of Jadon Sanho, and the return of Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, Solskjaer is well aware that Rashford will be joining a “different team” when he returns.

However, the Norwegian hinted that it will not be a disadvantage for Rashford. In fact, Solskjaer is even optimistic that the England forward will be more comfortable playing his position as his workload and “responsibility” will now be shared among the attackers in the squad.

"Marcus Rashford running around with that enthusiasm, running in behind, not having to take on too much responsibility is a great sight to see,” the manager said. “He comes back into a different team. He's got Jadon [Sancho] here, Mason's [Greenwood] grown, Cristiano [Ronaldo] is here. I want to see that nice grin and smile and enthusiasm that he's shown so many times.”

"And when he comes on the pitch, if he starts or he doesn't, just enjoy yourself and express yourself,” he pointed out. “That's what Man United players do and that's what we want."