Marcus Rashford left the pitch late on against Liverpool amid concerns over a knee injury
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told the club website: “His knee was bothering him. Scan tomorrow and we’ll see where we are
.”
Even in a best case scenario and Rashford is passed fit for Wednesday’s game, United might be better off resting him.
Despite Rashford’s outstanding season so far, 15 goals and seven assists, United have to look at the bigger picture and rest him where we can. A home game against bottom of the league Sheffield United is one such opportunity.
United have a big squad with many options. Here is a look at the three most likely ways Solskjaer will look to replace Rashford against Sheffield United…
Anthony Martial
Martial came on to replace Rashford with five minutes to go in Sunday’s win.
He has started out on the left in United’s last two league games and he is the most likely option to replace Rashford.
The one factor against it, could be that Solskjaer may have been preparing to give Cavani a rest after two consecutive starts and play Martial up front in this fixture.
Martial could play on the left, and Mason Greenwood up front, but this would leave a question over who starts on the right.
Dan James
Rashford being rested could lead to a recall for winger Dan James, who has just one start in 2021 so far which came against Watford.
James did not seize that chance, but his previous start at Old Trafford against Leeds was one which he excelled in. He has been patient and this is the type of game which could suit him.
The young Welshman will be motivated to prove a point, and if he can step up, it will be good news for United.
So far James has just five league starts this season, after making 26 last campaign.
Paul Pogba
The alternative for United is to play Paul Pogba wide on the left as we did in the win over Aston Villa.
This allows United to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation Solskjaer prefers, while utilising the Frenchman in an attacking role.
It would also allow United to pack the midfield, with Van de Beek, Fred, McTominay and Matic all battling for starts alongside Fernandes.
Whichever combination Solskjaer chooses, United should have enough to win against Sheffield United.
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