MY ACCOUNT
Marcus Rashford has been in the form of his life for Manchester United — but a groin injury picked up against Everton is set to keep him out of action for an extended period.
That represents a significant blow to the Red Devils, with the forward contributing to 19 Premier League goals this season.
Erik ten Hag now faces the challenge of replacing his No10 during a tough run for his side, starting with a trip to Nottingham Forest this afternoon.
Backing the squad
Ten Hag has backed his squad to step up to the plate in Rashford’s absence — but acknowledged that new recruits may be needed in the future.
He said: “Maybe both [the current players can perform and new signings could be required]. I think they can.
“Antony already scored a couple of goals — seven or eight goals — scoring in big games, it’s not bad for a winger, right? In his first season. Also against big opponents like Barcelona, [Real] Betis.
“Jadon Sancho, he has a period out, Anthony Martial can definitely do it, Bruno Fernandes also — we know it.
“He’s now playing in a little bit deeper role so he’s further away from the goal, but we have goal scoring players in our squad.”
Antony’s time to shine
Antony has endured a tough start to life at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian has scored just three Premier League goals from a total of 46 shots and 19 efforts on target.
More encouragingly, he has created 15 chances — though he is yet to register a league assist for the Red Devils.
With Rashford on the sidelines, Ten Hag needs his £86million marquee signing to start making a difference in the weeks ahead.
Scholes’ Martial claim
French ace Martial came on as a substitute to net United’s second against the Toffees — and club legend Paul Scholes believes he could fill the team’s attacking void.
Scholes said: “It’s great to have him [Martial] back. We all know the quality he’s got.
“It’s just can he get through it now, can he get through to the end of the season? He hasn’t got a great record fitness-wise, but we all know how good a player he is.”
The 27-year-old put on an eye-catching performance against Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday, chipping in with an assist in his first start since early January.
Sancho starting to heat up
Sancho is another player who has had difficulties adapting to life in Manchester.
But against Everton, he showed glimpses of the form that led to his £73m move from Borussia Dortmund.
Four of his six shots on target this Premier League season have resulted in goals, while he has also completed a commendable 21 of his 48 attempted take-ons.
The 23-cap England international is adept at conjuring chances for others too, creating 28 opportunities and registering two assists across 1108 minutes of action.
Fighting off Forest
Next up for United is a trip to the City Ground, where their lowly hosts will be desperate to boost their survival hopes with a positive result on home soil.
The Red Devils should certainly be wary of Steve Cooper’s Forest, who have already picked up points against Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea this season.
Nonetheless, the Midlands side do concede a high volume of goals (54) and shots from inside the box (295), which will have the visitors hoping for plenty of chances.
Even without the ruthless Rashford, there are players ready to take up the mantle as Ten Hag’s team bid to secure a top-four finish.
