Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Provides Update on Paul Pogba & Marcus Rashford Fitness

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed as expected that both Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford are fit to face Tottenham on Friday night in the club’s first game back, although it remains unknown for now whether either will actually start in north London.

Pogba has not featured for United since December and underwent ankle surgery in January, while Rashford was also sidelined in January because of a back injury.

It has already been reported this week that Pogba, who last started a game for United nearly nine months ago because an injury plagued season that has been further disrupted by the coronavirus crisis, would not be in the starting XI in north London.

The possibility of Rashford’s involvement from the start is less clear.

Solskjaer declared at a pre-game press briefing that defenders Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are United’s only injury absentees, but “…the rest of the squad is fit [and] available.”

The Norwegian added, “If selected, Marcus and Paul have been out for a long, long period, but they're available, so let’s see how long they're going to play for.”

With five substitutes temporarily permitted for the rest of the season, there is a strong chance that both, neither of whom have yet played with January signing Bruno Fernandes, will feature.

“Three subs is the right amount for a game, but five of them will happen because we have to look after the players,” Solskjaer commented.

“The Premier League is intense physically and they are going straight into another season after. It’s a good option to protect the players and not pick up any unnecessary injuries.” 

Solskjaer also gave an update on the future of home-grown talent Angel Gomes, who is due to be out of contract at the end of the month and could leave Old Trafford as a free agent.

“With Angel, he's a top, top kid we've had at the club for so many years. We've offered him a deal and hopefully he'll take that and, if not, I wish him all the best,” the United boss explained.

“From what I understand [an agreement] is not too far away.”

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