Solskjaer Handed Challenge to Lift England Stars

After the heartbreak of a penalty shootout defeat in the Euro 2020 final, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be tasked with getting his England stars ready to hit the ground running for the new Premier League season.

It won’t be easy after missing out on the first major international trophy in 55 years in the cruellest fashion against Italy. However, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will have to dust themselves down and be ready to go again with Manchester United.

Shaw Can Build On Impressive Tournament
It’s fair to say Shaw has come on leaps and bounds in the last year and can be proud of his efforts at Euro 2020. Gareth Southgate put his faith in the United left-back and the 26-year-old repaid it and then some, as he scored the opening goal of the final against Italy at Wembley. Obviously, it was not enough to secure the trophy for the Three Lions, but Shaw should take plenty of confidence into the 2021-22 Premier League season.

Manchester United, who are 39/5 in the bet UK markets to win the Premier League next term, begin their season against rivals Leeds United on August 14th, and Shaw is likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet. Back to full fitness, Shaw has been producing those tireless runs down the left flank, and his delivery from wide channels is the best it’s ever been.

Maguire Reaching Top Form
Once again it was another impressive major tournament for Maguire, with the Manchester United skipper now one of the more senior players of the national side. The 28-year-old’s partnership with England left-back Shaw blossomed at the European Championships, and that should stand Manchester United in good stead as they look to challenge for the Premier League crown.

Maguire impressed at the 2018 World Cup on England’s way to the semi-finals in Russia, and the Sheffield-born defender would be in the mix for many people’s team of Euro 2020 along with Shaw. Maguire will have learned plenty from the experience over the summer, and with Shaw by his side, Manchester United’s defence should be in good shape as they prepare to host Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United in the opener.

Rashford to Come Back Stronger
Solskjaer’s biggest task will be to put an arm around Rashford and get the forward ready to hit the ground running next season. Rashford saw his penalty effort come off the woodwork against Italy, as one of three England players to be denied from the spot against the Azzurri.

Rashford, even at 23 years old, has responded well to setbacks before and his character will shine through again ahead of the new campaign. A former forward himself, Solskjaer will know the disappointment Rashford has gone through. The Norwegian tactician seems to have an excellent relationship with his players, and if anyone can bring Rashford around, then it’s Solskjaer.

It will take some time for Shaw, Maguire, and Rashford to move past that night at Wembley, but getting back to Manchester United and focussing on a Premier League title challenge will do no harm at all.