PREMIER LEAGUE
Why isn’t Marcus Rashford playing for Manchester United against Sheffield United in the Premier League?
Rashford was substituted before extra-time in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry, which had made him a doubt to face The Blades.
Manchester United only narrowly avoided an FA Cup semi-final disaster against Coventry City on Sunday, needing a penalty shootout to progress to the final against Manchester City having thrown away a 3-0 lead. Erik Ten Hag will be looking for Wednesday’s home Premier League fixture against Sheffield United to a rather more straightforward, but the Dutchman won’t be able to call upon the services of attacker Marcus Rashford.
Rashford’s disappointing form for United
The 2023/24 season has been a hugely disappointing one for the Red Devils forward, who has managed only eight goals in 40 appearances in all competitions having found the net 30 times last term.
Rashford hasn’t scored in any of his last five appearances and won’t be adding to his tally against The Blades, who are rock bottom of the Premier League table and doomed to relegation after conceding 88 goals in 33 matches.
England striker forced off against Coventry in FA Cup
The 26-year-old was taken off before extra-time got underway against Coventry and was seen limping at the end of the game, immediately putting his participation in today’s fixture at risk.
When will Rashford return?
Rashford has indeed been left out of the match at Old Trafford, although neither Ten Hag nor United have specified what injury the striker has suffered or when he is likely to be back in action.
United have a whole host of injury issues to contend with, with no fewer than 10 players in the treatment room, including Raphaël Varane, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount.
The 13-time Premier League champions have picked up only three points in their last four league games and will realistically finish no higher than sixth, which would see them qualify for next season’s Conference League.
Their Champions League dreams are over, although they could qualify for the 2024/25 Europa League if they can beat neighbours City in the FA Cup final on 25 May.