New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to make England’s World Cup squad despite the England youngster’s minor injury during Premier League matchday six clash against Arsenal.
Rashford has been phenomenal for the Erik Ten Hag squad, starting the campaign in a promising fashion for United. Rashford scored a brace and recorded an assist to enable Erik ten Hag to dismantle Mikel Arteta’s unbeaten run in the Premier League. He also scored against Liverpool and has been Ten Hag’s preferred forward ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is struggling to pick his form in the team.
The former Ajax manager had expected England coach Gareth Southgate to name the youngster in England’s Nation League matches against Germany and Italy. This is coming when Rashford is still nursing the injury he picked up when the Red Devils clashed with Arsenal earlier in the season.
Rashford missed Manchester United’s opening Europa League game against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. Despite playing five-times Ballon D ‘Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford to the visitors, further making Rashford’s injury a huge concern and more troubling for Ten Hag.
It has been confirmed that Rashford will miss Manchester United’s second Europa League match. Ten Hag has already named the squad for the trip to Moldova, with Rashford left out.
At a pre-match press conference, Ten Hag confirmed Rashford’s absence saying, ‘He’s not available. The consequence after Arsenal, he has a muscle injury.’
When asked whether Rashford can make England’s 2022 World Cup squad, he replied: “It’s quite obvious and quite clear (he can).
“He played really good seasons and this season he has had a great comeback. He’s shown his great potential and quality.
“No, I don’t think too long (his absence), but I cannot tell how long. It’s not really bad and we expect him to be back quite soon in the team.”
Manchester United’s game against Sheriff Tiraspol is going to be United’s last match in 17 days. The weekend Premier League matchday seven fixture against Leeds has been postponed as security concerns mounts due to Queen Elizabeth’s burial. According to reports most security resources have been stretched by the Queen’s burial.
Ten Hag Stresses The Need To Win All Matches
Erik Ten Hag has emphasized the need to win every match after suffering a shock defeat to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. A controversial second-half penalty duly converted earned the Spanish side a win over a less-clinical and unimpressive Man United. Ten Hag admitted that the team has to win every game.
“Pressure is for every game, because we have to win every game”, he said.
“When you lose the first game, you have to win the second, so we know what our task is.
“We always play a strong team, so also here we will play a strong team. Our players are used to playing a game every third day. If that’s not the case, we use the last days for good training sessions.
“It was really helpful and we are well prepared for the game.”
Sheriff had a better of their opponents in the first leg, winning 3-0 away at Cyprus against Omonia. They are the top and most formidable opponents in the competition and will be expected to give the Red Devils a tough challenge.
