Newcastle United won't be obsessing over whether Marcus Rashford starts the Carabao Cup final or not because the Magpies' are focused on how they can hurt Manchester United at Wembley.
Rashford was replaced late on in Manchester United's 2-1 win against Barcelona in their Europa League last 16 tie at Old Trafford on Thursday night. The England international was photographed with his left boot in his hand as he made his way down the tunnel at full-time and posted the picture on his Instagram stories after the game with a face with head bandage emoji.
Rashford was also spotted by Manchester United supporters walking gingerly to his car after the game. However, Rashford will be desperate to play in the final and, perhaps, it would be a surprise if the forward did not start on Sunday - even if he is not 100 per cent.
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Regardless, Newcastle players and staff won't be paying too much attention. Rashford may be Manchester United's top scorer, who has found the back of the net in 16 of his last 18 games, but Newcastle recognise the Red Devils have threats all over the pitch.
Also, as much as those danger men were highlighted by Eddie Howe and his staff this week, the focus has been on how Newcastle can get at Manchester United rather than simply containing Erik ten Hag's in-form side. As Kieran Trippier told ChronicleLive earlier this week: "We can't be too focused on them. Obviously, we need to review them, of course, but we need to focus on how we can hurt them."
There is certainly a lot at stake for both teams at the weekend. Newcastle are bidding to end their 54-year wait to win a trophy while Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes told MUTV 'we want to win that final so much'.
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