Manchester United are sweating on Marcus Rashford’s fitness ahead of the Carabao Cup final. The 25-year-old is arguably the most in-form player in the Premier League but was withdrawn last on against Barcelona on Thursday.
After his substitution, Rashford limped off and posted a concerning Instagram post - casting his place in this weekend’s Wembley showdown under doubt. Sceptical Newcastle United supporters instantly screamed “mind games” - refusing to buy into the forward’s agony.
On Friday, just hours after the Barcelona win, Erik ten Hag spoke to the media about Rashford but kept his cards close to his chest. He said: "I don't know (whether Rashford is fit). The players now are coming in (to training). We have to do investigations.
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“(The) medical of course we did straight after the game but most of the time you have to wait for a 100 percent diagnosis. So let's do the medical, the work, we have to wait."
ChronicleLive has sided with doubtful Newcastle fans and named Marcus Rashford in the Red Devils’ predicted line-up. Accompanying him in attack will likely be Wout Weghorst, the goal-shy striker signed on loan from Burnley last month.
Ten Hag has used his compatriot as a foil for Rashford since signing him as a short-term fix. On the right flank, either Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, or Antony will start. The latter scored the winner in the win over Barca but is being nursed back from a leg injury.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are shoo-ins to start in midfield but Ten Hag must decide between Fred or the more attack-minded Marcel Sabitzer. Signed from Bayern Munich on loan, the Austrian looked out of sorts versus Leicester City last weekend and could have been given a straight red card.
In a high-pressure game, Fred will likely be given the nod, adding balance alongside Casemiro and being more familiarised with his defence. The consistent backline picks itself, with David De Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw nailed on to start.
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