Erik ten Hag has a big decision to make as he prepares his side for their decisive Europa League second leg against Sevilla this evening.
If not for a calamitous collapse a week ago, United could already have one foot in the final four. Instead, they start from scratch, and must go again to prove they are worthy of a semi-final place.
There is less margin for error tonight given that there is no second opportunity to put things right. That makes Ten Hag's team selection that bit harder to decide.
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United have been boosted by the returns of Marcus Rashford, Marcel Sabitzer, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia ahead of the match, and they are all in contention to play. “They are available because they came on the plane,” Ten Hag said in his press conference on Wednesday. He will make a final decision on their involvement today.
The most important of those is the return of Rashford to the 21-man squad. The England international took part in his first team session on Wednesday morning but had been training individually prior to that, as he looks to make a swift return to action.
United's temptation is obvious. Rashford has been one of the best forwards in the world this season and has often been the difference-maker for his side with match-winning moments.
No player has scored more match-winning goals in the Premier League this season than Rashford (10), with three of his last four goals deciding matches in the league.
There is a clear argument that he should be thrown back in from the start to give his side the best chance of progressing to the next round, though the counter-argument is that it is an unnecessary risk to take.
United have actually coped rather well since his injury lay-off suffered in the home win over Everton. They have played two, scored four, and really should have won both matches.
In his place, Anthony Martial has spearheaded the attack in style, not as a goalscorer but as a fantastic link-up player who has brought the best out of those around him.
He heads back to Sevilla tonight with a point to prove too. He joined the La Liga side on loan last year and endured a torrid time that coincided with their title collapse.
Martial's time at the club was described as a 'fiasco' as he netted just one goal in 12 appearances and eventually lost his place in the side altogether.
United proved last week that they already have enough to beat Sevilla without Rashford, though they somehow managed not to do so.
Ten Hag will consider this when he finalises his selection in the hours before the match, and he must also consider the wider fixture schedule they have to cater for.
It perhaps makes more sense for the 25-year-old to be on the bench from the start and only brought on if his team needs him, given that there are even tougher tests ahead.
United are more likely going to need Rashford from the start in their FA Cup semi-final against Brighton this weekend, before tough Premier League clashes against Tottenham, Aston Villa and then Brighton again.
Tonight's match will certainly not be straightforward, but it is one United should be winning whether or not they have their top scorer from the start.
It's not a time for Rash decisions.
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