Marcus Rashford hands Erik ten Hag and Manchester United a boost… as the England striker is ‘hopefully’ fit ahead of crucial derby against Manchester City
- Erik ten Hag and Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United fitter
- The striker could be fit for the Manchester derby after the international break
- Rashford suffered a muscle injury in the Red Devils’ win over Arsenal
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford has given Erik ten Hag a boost ahead of the Manchester derby as the club ‘hope’ he will be fit for the crucial Premier League game.
The Red Devils have been sidelined since their Europa League win over Moldova’s Sheriff Tiraspol. Their two Premier League games against Crystal Palace and Leeds have been postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
That means the side will be without a game for almost a month ahead of the Manchester derby against Pep Guardiola’s City side on October 2.
Marcus Rashford could be fit for Manchester United return against Man City
Rashford has been absent from the team’s last two games after suffering a muscle injury in the Arsenal win. The injury meant Gareth Southgate ruled the 24-year-old out of the England team for Nations League games against Italy and Germany.
However, Manchester United’s medical team understand the attacker’s injury is not serious and he will be available for the game against City, according to ESPN.
Before his injury, Rashford has begun to offer glimpses that he was returning to his best form which had led to him being regarded as one of England’s brightest prospects.
Rashford was substituted off with a muscle injury in Manchester United’s win over Arsenal
The forward has scored three goals and provided two assists in his six Premier League games so far this season.
Speaking of Rashford’s injury, Ten Hag said: “He’s unavailable, a consequence after Arsenal. He has a muscle injury.
“I don’t think twice, but I don’t know. It’s not too bad, we expect him to be back with the team soon.’
Gareth Southgate (pictured) has said Marcus Rashford could make the World Cup squad
Despite missing out on the England squad for the last time before the World Cup, Southgate has admitted he still has a chance of being selected for the World Cup in Qatar.
He said: “Although our summer results were disappointing, over a long period of time we have been selecting for form and ability.
“There were certain players that we wanted to involve this time around, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end for some of the others who aren’t involved.
“Marcus Rashford, for example, has shown some encouraging signs of late. He’s a player we know well. So if he can play at a high level in the next few weeks then of course he will be considered.’
