Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has revealed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted him to ‘up the tempo’ before his Champions League heroics against RB Leipzig. The England international came off the bench to score a hat-trick. And it puts the Red Devils in a great position to qualify with four matches left to go.
Solskjaer raised eyebrows with his decision to bench Rashford, who scored the winner against PSG last time out.
But the England international came off the bench to light up Old Trafford with an astonishing display.
United went 1-0 up against Leipzig in the 21st minute through Mason Greenwood, who grabbed his second goal of the campaign with a neat finish.
Rashford then came on, scoring two quick goals before Anthony Martial converted from the penalty spot.
And the England international, whose work off the pitch has seen him rightly recognised, then secured his hat-trick with a powerful late finish late on.
Speaking after the game, Rashford revealed Solskjaer wanted him to ‘up the tempo’ before entering the field.
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Rashford gave Martial the penalty despite being on two goals at the time, but the 22-year-old has downplayed his actions.
“A little bit, a little bit,” he said when asked if there was much of a discussion over the spot-kick.
“I feel confident with Anthony taking them as well. So no problem.
“It’s about the next game now so it’s important for us to get three points.”
On fellow goalscorer Greenwood, he added: “Not surprising. He’s a top player. He needs to keep his head down and keep working hard. He will be an unbelievable player for us.”
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Meanwhile, BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton expressed a belief that Solskjaer had ‘outsmarted’ Leipzig counterpart Julian Nagelsmann on the night.
“Credit where credit is due. Sensational in Paris last week and tonight absolutely brilliant,” Sutton said.
“Solskjaer out thought and out smarted Julian Nagelsmann.
“It has been a tough start for United but we have to give him credit when they play well and they have played well.”
United are next in action against Arsenal on Sunday (4.30pm).
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