Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's surprising Marcus Rashford confession – 'I text him'

Marcus Rashford left Manchester United for Barcelona on loan in January and has since impressed, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he can't decipher just why the forward struggled

Ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has struggled to explain Marcus Rashford's Old Trafford woes. The Norwegian drew parallels between the United academy product and Erling Haaland, noting that the 28-year-old appears to be relishing his time on the pitch.

The England international has hit the ground running in La Liga with Barcelona after his loan switch from United. Rashford's future has long been in question with Ruben Amorim still at the helm, but all signs are pointing towards a potential permanent departure for the England star, given Barcelona have the option to sign him on a full-time basis come the summer.

After being sidelined at United, Rashford has had two loan stints away from the club, first with Aston Villa and now Barcelona - but his performances have earned him a recall to the Three Lions squad.

It was under Solskjaer's reign that Rashford made the most appearances for United, and his most productive, netting 55 goals in 135 matches and providing 36 assists.

Rashford racked up over 100 appearances under Erik ten Hag and Jose Mourinho, scoring 42 and 28 in 113 and 125 games respectively.

However, United legend Solskjaer struggled to pinpoint a reason for Rashford's eventual struggles at United, confessing that it seemed like he no longer enjoyed his football. He also surprisingly admitted he hadn't spoken to the player in person since leaving Old Trafford back in November 2021.

"I've not spoken to Marcus since I've left, I text him a little bit but circumstances," he said speaking on Stick to Football.

"I don't know what's happened in his life but you can see he's certainly enjoying it now in Barcelona.

"It looked like he didn't enjoy himself here. I don't think that's just Man United [not enjoying it], it's everywhere.

"All the pressures, every single one is different, we don't know what's happened to the players when they walk in in the morning grumpy, that's the manager's job: 'what's up? I can see something's wrong.'".

"We don’t know what’s happened, we just want him to do well, he’s an incredible player when he’s in in form and happy, he’s got that energy.

"I go back to Erling Haaland, just the energy that he shows all the time, when he's on the pitch, he shows that enthusiasm and energy, that's the least.

"But what is it? Life? Too many games? We don't know but he's found the right balance."