Edinson Cavani has not travelled to Spain with the rest of the Manchester United squad, with injury ruling him out.
This is not altogether surprising considering he has only played one match in February, and Cavani’s reluctance to push his body beyond his self-imposed limits is a source of ongoing frustration for fans.
But lets not dwell on a player who won’t be there, and turn our focus to one who will, Marcus Rashford.
A lifeline for Rashford
Marcus Rashford was conspicuous by his absence from Manchester United’s stirring victory over Leeds United at the weekend.
Absence is probably not the right word to use, as Rashford was physically there at Elland Road, he was just not selected, either as a starter or from the bench.
Rashford’s importance to the team has diminished in recent weeks, amid very patchy form which at times has been downright disappointing.
His 10 minute cameo against Brighton last week was a mixture of poor decision making and poor execution and unlike Paul Pogba who came on seven minutes earlier and helped change the game, Rashford failed to make a positive contribution.
So Rashford found himself not included at the weekend, with Jesse Lingard given a rare start and 19-year-old Anthony Elanga preferred off the bench.
Cavani wasn’t available at the weekend either, but Rashford could end up with a role to play against Atletico Madrid this week, albeit from the bench.
Cristiano Ronaldo will start, that’s a guarantee. If United are chasing a goal, only Elanga and Rashford remain as attacking options.
Elanga’s fearlessness and superior work rate may actually see him preferred to Rashford. But if United for whatever reason have to take Ronaldo off, it is Rashford who is most likely to take over at centre-forward.
Or indeed if United choose to push two up front, Rashford could be asked to play alongside Ronaldo to try and give his teammate extra support.
Champions League breakthrough is what he needs
Marcus Rashford has proved before he is a big game player. He has repeatedly performed against top Premier League rivals, and also delivered twice in away games against PSG in the Champions League.
It hasn’t always been perfect though. His early missed chance in the Nou Camp in 2019 could have turned the tie with Barcelona upside down, and he will still be haunted by last season’s Europa League final against Villarreal.
Making a key impact against Atletico Madrid with a goal this week would be just what he needs to remind everybody of his quality, and his manager, and give his own confidence a list.
United’s weekend demolition of Leeds showed the team can win without him. Now it is up to him to show he can add something extra.
Cavani’s absence can only work in his favour this week, at a time where he will welcome all the personal luck he can get.
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