Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford may miss Euro 2020 admits United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

In a campaign of ups and downs at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old’s performances and goals had been one of the main positives.

But a fine end to the year has been followed by a galling start to 2020.

Solskjaer initially expected Rashford to miss six weeks with the double stress fracture to his back sustained in last month’s FA Cup replay against 
Wolves.

However, the United manager admits the England forward could miss the rest of the season – and perhaps even this summer’s European Championship.

“I would hope he’s playing this season but it’ll just be touch and go towards the end,” said Solskjaer said ahead of last night’s Europa League last-32 first tie at Club Brugge.

“It takes time. I’m not a doctor, but obviously I was hoping that he would recover quicker than it actually looks like he’s going to be out for – so, another few months definitely.”

Asked whether he would be in risk of missing Euro 2020, Solskjaer said: “Well, I would hope that he plays before then but we’re not sure, so if he’s not fit enough, he won’t go.”

With skipper Harry Kane also injured, Solskjaer’s update will be the last thing England manager Gareth Southgate would want to hear. The news is also a blow for a United side still in the hunt for FA Cup and Europa League glory, as well as a fight for the Champions League places.

Rashford had been confident of being “back before the season ends” after sustaining the injury in the FA Cup replay victory over Wolves, just days after coming off against Norwich City with a back complaint. Asked if there had been a setback, Solskjaer said: “He had a scan and it was maybe more severe, that fracture, than what we hoped for and expected because he felt fine the few days before that.

“It just takes that time to recover. But when he recovers, when he’s healed, he’ll be stronger for it, so it’s important that we don’t rush him. And we won’t do that.”