Marcus Rashford is a doubt for Manchester United's Premier League trip to Bournemouth tomorrow – after missing training through illness.
Rashford did not report for training with the rest of United's squad today, after informing the club he was unwell and forced to stay at home. The England striker, who only resumed training this week following a leg injury, is therefore unlikely to fly to the south coast with the rest of the United squad ahead of tomorrow's fixture.
United boss Erik ten Hag also revealed defender Raphael Varane is also available, after he made his return in last weekend's 2-0 win over Wolves, while Scott McTominay has resumed training: “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. Varane is definitely available. Scott joined in joined in training, when we find out how well he does in training, then we know if he'll be in.”
United have three games to go, with Ten Hag insisting his focus is on ensuring they achieve their season-long aim of a top-four finish and an immediate return to the Champions League. The Dutchman's side can secure a Champions League place tomorrow if they beat Bournemouth and arch rivals Liverpool, currently fifth and a point behind, lose at home to Aston Villa.
“When I see this project, first of all it's important to get in the Champions League,” said Ten Hag. “I look to the next game - Bournemouth. We have to win that game to get into the Champions League.
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“Focus on the game and the games coming up, but the first game is the most important. 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.”
Ten Hag also paid tribute to defender Phil Jones, who is leaving United after 12 years. Injury blighted his Old Trafford career, with the 31-year-old having missed the whole of this season: “He's had a great career, what he achieved,” said Ten Hag.
Paying testament to the achievements of the man who signed from Blackburn for £16.5 million in June 2011, he added: “Winning the FA Cup, winning the Europa League, being present at two World Cups, and with a massive career at Manchester United. So all credit for his career."
