Manchester United supporters have backed Marcus Rashford to pass a late fitness test and lead the line for their Carabao Cup final clash with Newcastle.
United will walk out at Wembley this afternoon looking to bring a first trophy back to M16 since 2017, with Erik ten Hag on the verge of delivering a major objective at the first time of asking. They face a Newcastle side in their first final since 1999 and looking for a first major trophy since 1955.
The Reds go into this afternoon buoyed by victory over Barcelona on Thursday and progression into the last-16 of the Europa League, but those at Old Trafford that evening suffered a huge scare as Rashford limped off with an ankle injury. Ten Hag admitted on Friday that he did not know whether the 25-year-old would be available, but his inclusion in the group travelling south has brought optimism.
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And United fans have backed the forward to be passed fit, opting to have their top-scorer leading the line at Wembley. Rashford has 24 goals in all competitions this season - more than three times anyone else in red - and his fitness will be crucial to any success.
His move centrally has opened up a space on the left, which supporters have filled with Jadon Sancho. The 22-year-old is beginning to impact games again after being left out of the squad for so long, starting both Europa League ties against Barcelona and scoring off the bench against Leicester City last weekend. On the right, Antony is expected to provide the width in what would be his first start for three weeks.
Experience is the key in midfield, with Casemiro's vast finals knowhow a rarity elsewhere in the team. The 30-year-old will anchor the United midfield with on-loan Marcel Sabitzer providing the energy and Bruno Fernandes the creativity. Somewhat surprisingly, that means there is no place for Fred despite his heroics against Barcelona.
Three of United's defensive positions are all but guaranteed, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane having established themselves as the first-choice central pairing while Luke Shaw again brings experience down the left. It's on the opposite flank that Ten Hag has a decision to make, and supporters have opted for the security of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, given what is at stake.
Despite only making one appearance in this competition so far, David de Gea will almost certainly be drafted in for the final. The 32-year-old continues to prove his worth between the posts and can also boast plenty of experience in finals.
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