Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has expressed doubts about the availability of Marcus Rashford ahead of the Carabao Cup final on Sunday (February 26). The Dutch coach has also ruled out Anthony Martial for the trip to Wembley.
The Red Devils are coming off an incredible 2-1 (4-3 agg) win over Barcelona in the Europa League Playoffs on Thursday (February 23). However, the victory was marred by Rashford limping with an apparent problem.
The in-form striker has scored 24 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions. He posted a photo of himself walking on the sidelines with a bandage emoji on his Instagram story after the win.
Ten Hag has said that Manchester United will assess his situation. He told reporters before the final (via Manchester evening news):
“I don’t know. The players are arriving and we will have to investigate. We will have to wait.
Rashford’s possible absence will be a huge blow to Ten Hag’s team, which is aiming for its first major trophy since 2017. He has been instrumental in the Red Devils’ excellent season.
🗣️ “We have to wait for a 100% diagnosis. We have to wait.” Erik ten Hag answers questions about Marcus Rashford’s availability for the Carabao Cup final. đź‘€ https://t.co/UP7RzL9Cyd
Martial would generally be a candidate to replace Rashford if he were fit. However, the French striker is still dealing with a hip injury. He hasn’t featured since the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Ten Hag has confirmed that Martial will miss his team’s clash with Newcastle. He said:
“No [Martial is not available for Sunday’s cup final].”
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes nicknames Lisandro Martinez ‘My Butcher’ after Barcelona win
Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro MartĂnez were key in the team’s memorable 2-1 victory over Barcelona on Thursday. The pair’s tenacity was on display throughout the victory.
Fernandes assisted Fred to equalize for the Red Devils, while MartĂnez kept the Barca attack at bay with confident defence. The Argentine went to Instagram following the match and said:
“What a night! The teamwork, the character, the swinging bleachers… MANCHESTER UNITED!!
Fernández responded to the post:
“My butcher.”
MartĂnez earned the nickname ‘The Butcher’ during three seasons at Ajax. He appears to have brought the label to Old Trafford. His Portuguese teammate may be alluding to how the defender was right in the middle of a battle when a melee broke out.
Fernandes crashed the ball into Frenkie de Jong during the second half of the win over the blaugrana. Both sets of players were scrapped after this, with Martinez right in the thick of things.
He has made 34 appearances since joining the club from Ajax last summer. The central defender scored a goal and helped his team keep 15 clean sheets.