Manchester United’s head coach, Erik ten Hag, has provided an update on the fitness of Marcus Rashford ahead of Thursday’s highly anticipated Premier League encounter against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Rashford, who missed the team’s previous two matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth, is expected to be available for the upcoming clash. The England international was absent from the Wolves fixture due to a minor leg injury but returned to training in preparation for the Bournemouth game. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate due to illness.
However, Rashford resumed training on Tuesday, and his involvement against Chelsea is highly anticipated as Manchester United aim to secure their place in next season’s Champions League.
“It looks like [he will be available]. Yesterday, he returned to training, he looks quite fit, but we have to see today how the training session went and evaluate our recovery before making our final decisions,” Ten Hag stated during the press conference held on Wednesday afternoon.
Rashford has been a key performer for Manchester United this season, impressing with 29 goals and 11 assists across 53 appearances in all competitions. In the Premier League, he has netted 16 goals, contributing significantly to United’s current fourth-place standing, with a three-point advantage over fifth-placed Liverpool and a game in hand.
With only one point needed from their remaining two league fixtures against Chelsea and Fulham, Manchester United are on the verge of securing a top-four finish and securing their place in the 2023-24 Champions League.
Ten Hag expressed the team’s determination to claim victory against Chelsea, stating, “Our objective is clear. We aim to win every game, just as we have done throughout the season. Tomorrow, our focus is on securing the win, playing dominant football, and getting the job done.”
The coach also emphasized the club’s long-term goals, highlighting the desire to win more trophies and compete at the highest level. Ten Hag acknowledged that being in the Champions League is a crucial step in their journey towards success.
Manchester United has displayed an impressive home record in the Premier League this season, winning 13 matches, drawing three, and suffering just one defeat in their 17 home fixtures, accumulating 42 points in the process.
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