Solskjaer previews Man Utd's trip to Leicester in Premier League
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is excited to welcome Marcus Rashford back to his squad this weekend. But he has warned the 23-year-old over the new competition for places at United that wasn't there last season.
Marcus Rashford could feature against Leicester City this weekend. (Image: GETTY)
Solskjaer has expressed his delight at Rashford's impending return to action after years of carrying a big responsibility at such a young age.
But the United boss has indirectly warned Rashford that his current squad is different to the one he last featured in, with the quality as high as ever before.
He told reporters: "He does look fresh. He looks keen; he looks fit. He's bulked up a little bit with some muscle.
"Of course, he had to bear a lot of the responsibility for us because we've had injuries, we've had different players out. And at such a young age, he's done so much for the team, and he's done so much off the pitch as well.
"I think that the time away for him was the time maybe to focus on himself and - I don't want to say get back to being himself – but, you know.
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"Marcus Rashford running around with that enthusiasm, running in behind, not having to take on too much responsibility is a great sight to see.
"For us now, he comes back into a different team. He's got Jadon Sancho here, Mason Greenwood's 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 even if he doesn't, just enjoy yourself and express yourself. That's what Manchester United players do and that's what we want."
Rashford faces a new challenge upon his return. After being a guaranteed starter for so long, he now has an improved Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo to battle for a regular spot.
Solskjaer believes the best of the England international is still to come after achieving 'remarkable' things before turning 24 later this month.
"I know that we'll see the best of Marcus in the years to come. He's done remarkable things at a young age, but he's now coming into the best age for a footballer," Solskjaer explained.
"He's learning, getting more experienced, and it's time to reflect on, you know, what he's done off the pitch as well because he's done some fantastic things.
"Now [it's time] to maybe prioritise his football and focus on football because he's got a challenge on his hands here at Manchester United.
"He has a challenge on his hands to play for England, and I think Marcus is one of those who takes up those challenges and is going to do so.
"He's going to express himself and his talent and he knows that we want a lot from him, but we're going to give him the time to get back to what he was and what he can be."