Manchester United got the results side of their pre-season back on track with a 3-2 win over Real Betis which was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.
Amad continued his ascent in the pre-season, while Harry Amass is giving Erik ten Hag a decision to make. Casemiro rediscovered his touch against familiar Spanish opposition as United looked in control throughout.
However, in the process, the injury bug seemed to take over again after Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro pulled up with issues vs Arsenal.
United were potentially dealt a fresh, and third injury blow vs Betis which will undoubtedly dominate the headlines more than the win.
Man United fresh injury update
All the United fans probably dropped to their knees at the hour-mark when Ten Hag was forced into a substitution.
Marcus Rashford, enterprising as ever throughout the game, tried to run at the defence and make things happen but was stopped in his tracks by a defender who stomped on his foot.
Rashford immediately went down and held his ankle. He tried to continue afterward but couldn’t do so, eventually hobbling off the field to great distress for fans and the club alike.
Betis scored immediately after but it was the least of United’s concerns as they now face a nervous wait to see what the extent of this latest issue is.
Fortunately, Rashford was seen in the mixed zone after the game, and unlike Leny Yoro, whose injury is more serious, the attacker walked without a protective boot.
However, he could still be seen visibly limping and wincing as he walked, indicating that he is in some level of discomfort.
Holding off on starting him against Liverpool might be the way to go if it’s a minor knock that can be healed by resting. Ankle has generally given him trouble in the past so it’s not worth the risk.
Big season needed from Marcus Rashford
They say “Begin as you mean to go along” and Rashford’s performances this pre-season have given everyone plenty of reasons to be excited.
After being the subject of transfer rumours leading up to the summer, he has arrived fresh and energised, the effect of which can be seen in his game.
He is back to the version who took on defenders, tried to make things happen, and is working hard in the defensive phase as well.
After assisting Hojlund’s goal vs Arsenal, he got a goal for himself vs Betis to continue a fruitful pre-season.
Even if he doesn’t play against Liverpool, Ten Hag would be more than confident in starting him against Manchester City, especially since Alejandro Garnacho would be coming off the back of holidays with no pre-season.
A big year lies ahead for Rashford after last season’s disappointment but so far, he has looked like he will right the wrongs of last year. He just needs to keep fit, starting from recovering from this knock.
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