Marcus Rashford has suffered a fresh setback ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Bournemouth.
The 25-year-old missed the win over Wolves last weekend with a leg injury, but has returned to training this week and was expected to be in contention for United’s match at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
However, in his pre-match press conference, Erik ten Hag revealed that Rashford is now suffering with illness and is a doubt as a result.
“Rashy trained well the whole week but today he reported that he is ill,” the United boss told reporters.
“We have to see how he recovers during the day and see tomorrow.”
Liverpool’s seven-match winning run has increased the pressure on United as they look to seal a top-four finish, but Ten Hag’s side still have a one-point advantage over their rivals, with a game in hand to come at home to Chelsea.
Should Champions League football be secured, the focus will then shift to the FA Cup final at the start of next month, with United tasked with derailing Manchester City’s treble bid and ensuring Pep Guardiola’s side cannot replicate the club’s famous 1999 achievements.
Asked about the long-term need to get to City’s level, Ten Hag insisted his primary focus was on the short term and ensuring United do not slip up on the road again this weekend, having won just two of their last nine matches away from home in all competitions.
“When I see this project, first of all it’s important to get in the Champions League,” Ten Hag said.
“I look to the next game, Bournemouth, we have to win that game to get in the Champions League. Focus on the game, the games coming up, the first game is the most important.
‘I think Bournemouth is a really brilliant club. Three games before the end of the season they are definitely in the Premier League next season as well. It’s massive. You can see clear patterns, so well done.”
