Manchester United are waiting to learn the extent of Marcus Rashford’s groin issue that forced him off the field before full-time against Everton on Saturday.
The striker has been the club’s main source of goals this season, having netted 28 so far in what is his highest-scoring campaign to date. However, after setting up Anthony Martial’s goal in the 2-0 win, Old Trafford went subdued as Rashford pulled up after chasing a ball.
Erik ten Hag admitted post-match that he did not know if the setback was serious and whether he would be ruled out of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final clash with Sevilla, but admitted it “does not look well”.
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And so, the Dutchman may be forced into a change of line-up should his top scorer be ruled out for the home first leg tie with Sevilla. One alteration to the backline will likely see Raphael Varane come in for captain Harry Maguire, who started and kept a clean sheet against Everton.
With Luke Shaw’s return date unknown, Tyrell Malacia may start once again at left-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the opposite defensive flank as Lisandro Martinez partners Varane in the centre in front of goalkeeper David de Gea.
Casemiro comes back from a four-game suspension, although would have been available for this tie anyway with domestic bans not applying in European competition. Either way, his presence back in midfield is a boost as is Christian Eriksen’s.
The Dane came on in the second-half against Everton for his first appearance since suffering ankle ligament damage in January’s FA Cup tie with Reading. If he starts, it would mean that Bruno Fernandes would occupy his traditional attacking midfield spot.
Antony looks sure to start on the right while Ten Hag may be forced by will or otherwise to start Anthony Martial as the frontman amid Marcus Rashford’s potential injury. And so Martial's first start since January 14 would allow Jadon Sancho to start on the left for a third consecutive match.
Possible XI: David de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Malaica; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes; Antony, Martial, Sancho.
However, other alternatives are on the table, especially depending on the availability of some players. If fit, Shaw could retake his place at left-back while should Eriksen not be deemed ready enough for a start, Marcel Sabitzer could begin alongside Casemiro to be the go-between for Fernandes.
With Antony on the right and Martial leading the line amid Wout Weghorst’s recent benchings, Ten Hag could opt to entrust Facundo Pellistri with a second start. The 21-year-old began the second leg win over Real Betis in the last round and has impressed during his eight outings.
With Alejandro Garnacho injured and Sancho not yet firing on all cylinders, Ten Hag could wish to trial Pellistri on the left given he has racked up more appearances than Anthony Elanga since his debut.
Possible XI: David de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Sabitzer, Fernandes; Antony, Martial, Pellistri.
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