Marcus Rashford: Will Man United Star Forward Be Available For Europa League Selection Against Roma? Solskjaer Speaks

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feels star attacker Marcus Rashford is "through the worst" of his foot injury.

The 23-year-old withdrew from last month's England internationals with the issue that he has been managing throughout April.

Rashford has missed chunks of training but the forward has been passed fit for Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Roma.

"Marcus, yeah, we've managed him and we've had to manage him for quite a while actually," Solskjaer said ahead of the continental duel.

“Of course last year with his back, then he had his shoulders, which he's recovered really well from, and I feel he's gone through the worst of this foot (issue) as well and he almost played a full game against Leeds.

"He's available for selection again on Thursday, so I think he's happy with the progress that he's made.

"We didn't lose any anyone after the Leeds game, which was a great preparation for us because it's a high intensity, very, very difficult game."

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Solskjaer insists he 'meant no disrespect' after his comments upset Roma fans

In a piece of related news, Solskjaer has insisted that he meant no disrespect towards AS Roma after comments he made about the club prompted supporters to put up posters outside their training ground.

Solskjaer made the comments immediately after Manchester United's victory over Granada that secured their place in the semi-finals of the Europa League earlier this month.

The victory set up a last-four clash with Roma, but when asked for his thoughts on the Serie A side, Solskjaer said that he "didn't know them" and "hadn't seen them play".

That sparked anger among some Roma fans, who placed posters carrying Solskjaer's image and quotes outside their side's training base, along with the message "make sure he remembers us".

However, Solskjaer sought to diffuse the situation ahead of Thursday's first leg at Old Trafford, and even revealed that the shirts of two Roma legends take pride of place in his personal collection.

Asked about his comments, he explained: "Of course I'd watched them, but I hadn't analysed and hadn't seen them in depth.

"It's a fantastic club with a great history.

“I've actually got two prized possessions back home, a (Francesco) Totti shirt and a (Daniele) De Rossi shirt that I swapped with them, actually signed.

“So I know about the history, I know about the quality.

"With Chris (Smalling) being there last season, we followed them. We've analysed them down to the ground since we drew them and we are ready for them.

"It was not meant as any disrespect, and I think everyone knows that. I've got loads of respect for them."

United have not won silverware since lifting the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017 and Solskjaer is looking to reach his first final since succeeding the Portuguese in 2018, losing in five semi-finals over the past two seasons.

"It will be a dream come true the day I can lift a trophy for this club as a manager, of course," the Norwegian said.

"That's what we're building for. We've been close, we're building step by step, but to take the next step it's ifs and buts and this and that. You always talk about that.

"But for this team and myself, our ambition this season is to finish with lifting a trophy and being able to celebrate.

“I know how much that can mean for a group moving forward."