Solskjaer says Rashford was taken off with 'a little twinge' in United's victory

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Marcus Rashford was withdrawn from Manchester United's Europa League match against AC Milan due to a 'little twinge'.

Rashford was replaced at half-time by Paul Pogba – who went on to score the only goal of the game, helping United edge past Milan and progress to the Europa League quarter-finals.

Solskjaer's admission has sparked fresh injury concern for Gareth Southgate ahead of England's World Cup qualifying triple-header as Rashford had only just returned from an ankle injury and is said to be nursing a shoulder problem.

Solskjaer hopes the 23-year-old's injury 'won't be too bad' but admits he 'couldn't take a risk' with him on Thursday.

Speaking after United's 1-0 win over AC Milan, the United manager said: 'Marcus had a twinge, we couldn't take a risk with him.'

He added: 'Hopefully he [Rashford] won't be too bad.'

Rashford's absence will not only come as a concern for Gareth Southgate - who has selected the star to play against San Marino, Albania and Poland later this month - but also Solskjaer.

Rashford has been pivotal part of United's success this season, having scored 18 goals and registered 10 assists for the Red Devils during the 2020-2021 campaign.

Rashford has also been an ever present figure in the squad as only Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have played more minutes than the 23-year-old this season.

Rashford's San Siro exit has, however, thrown his participation in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final trip to Leicester into doubt.

Manchester United’s record against Leicester in recent seasons has been impressive – having won nine of the last 13 games.

However, Rashford has been involved in several of the goals that have seen United claim points against Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Rashford has tried to silence concerns over his fitness. Prior to his twinge on Thursday, the England international insisted he 'knew his body' and that he was not at risk of burnout.

He said: 'I just focus on the next game at hand and that's how I deal with [the shoulder injury].'

'What's needed after we'll deal with that after, but my main focus is just to be available for the games.'

'I know my body and I know what I can do physically and that's it. I take one game at a time and it's the life of footballer.

'We can rest when we retire and for now I want to play as much as I can. I recover from games quite well and from injuries I have no doubts, so I have no worries.'