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Solskjaer: Rashford has ‘flourished’ since Martial return

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Marcus Rashford has ‘flourished’ since the return of Anthony Martial from injury.

The England international had been tasked with leading the line during the Frenchman’s spell on the sidelines, with the 22-year-old having been criticised following a series of underwhelming performances in a central role.

Martial’s return to the starting line up has relieved some of the pressure from Rashford and has coincided with an upturn in form for the youngster, who followed a goal at Norwich last weekend with a double as Manchester United beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup in midweek, the second of his strikes a stunning, long-range free-kick.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Bournemouth, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted the forward isn’t suited to playing with his back to goal as a target man.

“I think since Anthony (Martial) has come back, Marcus has flourished,” the Norwegian said at his press conference.

“He’s probably happier facing goal, being direct, driving at people, taking players on instead of being that target man – back to goal.

“Marcus wants to master all the skills in the end, he’s only 22, so I’m sure we’ll see him up front as a No 9, maybe as a two with Anthony, maybe as a three like we did against Norwich or wide like we did against Chelsea.

“There’s different ways of playing with Marcus and it was important for him and for me that he stepped up and took a penalty against Chelsea.”

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