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Good news at Old Trafford, the Red Devils handed a boost ahead of the Manchester derby
These could be exciting times at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag and United are believed to have been handed a boost ahead of their upcoming Manchester derby when the Red Devils are expected to make a short trip to the Etihad to face rivals and current EPL champions City.
United who have last played in the EPL in almost a month when they ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run will be in action against neighbours City on October 2 and are hopeful of having their in-form forward Marcus Rashford who had impressed before his injury setback, scoring three goals in six matches fit for the clash.
Erik ten Hag’s side were able to shrug off their poor start to the season after embarrassingly losing their first two opening games to secure their fourth successive league win at the start of September, beating Premier League leaders Arsenal 3-1 at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, United’s League momentum was stalled after clashing with the Gunners, with their subsequent fixtures against Crystal Palace and Leeds United postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Rashford had missed both of United’s last two games which occurred in Europe after picking up a muscular injury in the Red Devils victory over Arsenal which has seen the 24-year-old being left out of England’s final squad before the Qatar World Cup.
Rashford has enjoyed brilliant form scoring three goals in six matches
But National Daily gathered from the report by ESPN which claims that United’s medical team do not believe Rashford’s injury is serious and are confident he will be available for the Manchester derby following the international break.
United boss discussing Rashford’s fitness last week, said: ‘He’s not available, a consequence after Arsenal. He has a muscle injury.
‘I don’t think too long, but I don’t know. It’s not really bad, we expect him quite soon to be back in the team.’
England boss Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, says Rashford still has a chance of making his World Cup squad despite being omitted from the group last week.
He said: ‘Although our results were disappointing in the summer, we have picked on the basis of form and capability over a long period.
‘There were certain players we wanted to keep involved this time, but that said it doesn’t mean that this is the end for some of the others who aren’t involved.
‘Marcus Rashford, for example, has shown some encouraging signs recently. He is a player we know well so if he can perform at a high level in the next few weeks, he of course will be under consideration.’
Rashford added on social media: ‘In regards to England, every player wants to represent their country and I’m no different! Unfortunately, I’m not ready yet as I’ve picked up an untimely injury.’
Manchester United’s recent run has seen them climb to fifth in the Premier League. Ten Hag’s side have a game in hand over most of their top-four rivals.