Marcus Rashford is now a doubt for Manchester United’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday despite returning to the training field earlier this week as Erik ten Hag faces a nervous wait on his integral frontman. The England international forward missed the 2-0 victory over Wolves last weekend with a leg injury but Ten Hag had been bolstered by his attacker’s involvement at Carrington earlier this week as United began preparations for the trip to the South Coast.
But in a dramatic twist, United have now been rocked by a fresh setback with Rashford currently suffering with illness.
The 25-year-old has been unable to train since returning to the field at the start of the week meaning it is now unclear whether he will even travel to the Vitality Stadium with the United squad.
“Rashy trained well the whole week, but today he reported he is ill,” said Ten Hag. “We have to see how he recovers during the day and see tomorrow.
“[Raphael] Varane is definitely available. Scott [McTominay] joined in training, when we find out how well he does in training, then we know if he’ll be in.”
Should Rashford fail to make the cut, United could stick with the same attacking line-up from last Saturday’s comfortable victory over Wolves.
Alejandro Garnacho is also pushing for a start after he came off the bench to score on his return to action as he netted a late second for the Red Devils.
Anthony Martial could yet keep his place in attack after he was also on target for United as they moved another step closer to Champions League qualification.
United remain in the box-seat to secure fourth place in the Premier League but with Liverpool breathing down their necks, the Red Devils cannot afford to slip up.
Ten Hag’s side can, however, secure Champions League qualification with victory should the Reds lose to Aston Villa at Anfield.
The United boss is fearful of the Cherries though and he does not want his players to underestimate the challenge ahead.
“When I see this project, first of all it’s important to get in the Champions League,” Ten Hag added.
“I look to the next game – Bournemouth. We have to win that game to get into the Champions League.
“Focus on the game and the games coming up, but the first game is the most important.
“I think, as far as I can see, I think Bournemouth is a really brilliant club.
“Three games before the end of the season, they are definitely in the Premier League next season as well, so it’s massive for them. You can see clear patterns, so well done.”
United still have to face Chelsea and Fulham at Old Trafford before the top-flight season is concluded while Liverpool travel to relegated Southampton on the final day.
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