Despite returning to training earlier this week, Marcus Rashford is now a doubt for Manchester United‘s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, leaving Erik ten Hag with a tense wait on his vital frontman.
The England international forward missed last weekend’s 2-0 win over Wolves due to a leg injury, but Ten Hag was encouraged by his attacker’s participation at Carrington earlier this week as United began preparations for the trip to the South Coast.
In a sudden turn of events, United have now been shaken by a new setback, with Rashford lying sick.
Since returning to the field at the start of the week, the 25-year-old has been unable to train, making it uncertain whether he will even go to the Vitality Stadium with the United team.
“Rashy trained well the whole week, but today he reported he is ill,” said Ten Hag. “We have to see how he recovers during the day and see tomorrow.
“[Raphael] Varane is definitely available. Scott [McTominay] joined in training, when we find out how well he does in training, then we know if he’ll be in.”
If Rashford does not make the squad, United may remain with the same attacking lineup that defeated Wolves last Saturday.
Alejandro Garnacho is also vying for a starting spot after scoring off the bench for the Red Devils on his return to action.
Anthony Martial might still preserve his starting spot in attack after contributing to United’s march closer to Champions League qualifying.
United are still in the running for fourth place in the Premier League, but with Liverpool on their tails, the Red Devils cannot afford to fall up.
If the Reds lose to Aston Villa at Anfield, Ten Hag‘s side can still qualify for the Champions League.
The United manager is wary of the Cherries, and he does not want his team to underestimate the task ahead.
“When I see this project, first of all it’s important to get in the Champions League,” Ten Hag added.
“I look to the next game – Bournemouth. We have to win that game to get into the Champions League.
“Focus on the game and the games coming up, but the first game is the most important.
- Squeezing the Poor: The Silent Struggle of Nigeria’s Starving Souls
- Plates of Despair: Nigerian Women Battle Against Deepening Hunger
- Shadows of Hunger: Struggles of Nigeria’s Displaced Children Begging to Eat, Survive on the Streets – Part 2
- Shadows of Hunger: Struggles of Nigeria’s Displaced Children Begging to Eat, Survive on the Streets – Part 1
- ‘This Is Messing Up My Performance’ —Angry Rema Walks Off Stage Over Poor Sound In Atlanta
“I think, as far as I can see, I think Bournemouth is a really brilliant club.
“Three games before the end of the season, they are definitely in the Premier League next season as well, so it’s massive for them. You can see clear patterns, so well done.”
United still have home games against Chelsea and Fulham before the end of the Premier League season, while Liverpool travel to relegated Southampton on the last day.
