Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed he gave Marcus Rashford a ticking off during Manchester United’s win over Brighton but was delighted with the forward’s overall contribution in the dramatic win at the Amex Arena.
The England international was criticised for a sluggish performance against Crystal Palace last weekend when he struggled to make an impact against a well drilled Eagles’ defence.
With another week of training under his belt, Rashford looked more like his old self on Saturday and represented his side’s most threatening attacking weapon.
The 22-year-old had one poacher’s effort disallowed for off-side but eventually scored his first goal of the new campaign when he sprinted clear of the Brighton defence, turned Ben White inside and out before smashing the ball past Matt Ryan.
Solskjaer was thrilled to see United’s No.10 get off the mark but admitted he had to tell Rashford off for failing to compete for the ball in a challenge with a Brighton defender midway through the first half.
He said: ‘He was getting better and better but I had a little bit of a go at him just halfway through the first half for a tackle he evaded.
‘But I think his reaction, his sharpness is getting better. He is more direct, his confidence is getting there, he scored a great goal and it was a great run and great finish for the one which was disallowed as well. I think Marcus will really kick on this season.’
‘We got away with one,’ confessed the United manager. When they equalised I thought that’s two points lost. Maybe one point was what we deserved – I don’t think we deserved more but the character we showed deserved more.
‘They created too much for my liking but they’re a difficult side to play against, with really good ball players at the back. There is plenty of work (to be done) but sometimes you’ve just got to take the points.’
