Marcus Rashford doubt for England after injury in Man United's 1-1 Fulham draw

Marcus Rashford is a serious doubt for England's upcoming Nations League fixtures after being forced off in Manchester United's 1-1 Premier League draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage. United boss Michael Carrick confirmed the forward had "a bit of an issue" following the match. Rashford is expected to withdraw from the England squad.

  • Score: Fulham 1-1 Manchester United
  • Venue: Craven Cottage
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Rashford substitution: Off in the 77th minute, replaced by Joshua Zirkzee
  • England fixtures at risk: Nations League matches against Spain (twice), Croatia and Czechia
  • Next Man United match: Tottenham at Old Trafford on October 10

Confirmed line-ups

Manchester United's starting XI at Craven Cottage included Marcus Rashford, who had taken a knock in the first half and was later fouled by Timothy Castagne. Carrick made just one change from the side beaten 1-0 in the Manchester derby. No further line-up details were provided in the source report.

What was said

"We had to bring him off as he had a bit of an issue."

— Michael Carrick, Manchester United head coach, on Marcus Rashford's substitution

"Marcus was a threat. He could have had a couple of goals for us today. He's another one who is getting himself in good positions, it's just not quite falling for him. It will."

— Carrick on Rashford's performance against Fulham

"We know Marcus. We know how to get the best out of him and will continue to do that."

— Carrick on managing Rashford

"It was good to have Carlos [Baleba] today [on the bench]. Amad, hopefully by the time we get back, he will have trained with the group. That's a positive. Matta is working towards his fitness as well."

— Carrick on returning players and squad fitness

Carrick's comments underline that Rashford's withdrawal was precautionary but necessary. The head coach highlighted the forward's movement and scoring positions, hinting that the issue was physical rather than tactical. With England facing four Nations League matches, United will be sweating on a quick recovery.

Injury and availability

  • Marcus Rashford: Forced off in the 77th minute with an issue; serious doubt for England's Nations League fixtures.
  • Benjamin Sesko: Missed the trip to London; Carrick expects reinforcements after the break.
  • Carlos Baleba: Was on the bench against Fulham.
  • Amad: Hopefully will have trained with the group after the break.
  • Matta: Working towards fitness.

Why Carrick must manage Rashford carefully during the international break

Marcus Rashford has been one of United's main attacking threats, even if the end product has not yet arrived. Carrick's decision to substitute him in the 77th minute, with United chasing a goal after Lisandro Martinez's own goal, raised eyebrows but was clarified by the head coach's post-match comments about an issue.

United's squad is already stretched. Benjamin Sesko missed the trip to London, while Amad and Matta are working towards fitness. The return of Carlos Baleba to the bench is a boost, but Carrick needs his forward line firing for the visit of Tottenham on October 10.

If Rashford withdraws from England duty, the break could allow him to recover. However, it also denies him the chance to build sharpness. Carrick must balance the player's long-term availability with United's immediate need for goals. The manager's insistence that Rashford is getting into good positions suggests faith, but faith alone does not win points.

Talking points

  • Should Rashford prioritise United's Premier League campaign over England's Nations League fixtures, given his injury history and importance to Carrick's system?
  • Was Carrick right to substitute Rashford when United needed a goal, or did the injury force his hand?
  • With Sesko out and Amad and Matta still working towards fitness, is United's squad depth sufficient to cope with Tottenham's visit?
  • Carrick's claim that Rashford's goals "will" come — is that blind faith or a genuine assessment of a forward getting into the right positions?

What happens next

Rashford is expected to withdraw from the England squad for the Nations League matches against Spain, Croatia and Czechia. Manchester United's next fixture is against Tottenham at Old Trafford on October 10, and Carrick will hope his forward is available. The coming days will determine whether Rashford's issue is minor or a longer-term concern.

Frequently asked questions

Is Marcus Rashford injured for England's Nations League matches?

Rashford is a serious doubt for England's upcoming Nations League fixtures after being forced off with an issue in Manchester United's draw with Fulham. He is expected to withdraw from the squad.

What did Michael Carrick say about Marcus Rashford after the Fulham draw?

Carrick said: "We had to bring him off as he had a bit of an issue," adding that Rashford was a threat and could have scored a couple of goals.

Who replaced Marcus Rashford in the Fulham match?

Joshua Zirkzee replaced Rashford in the 77th minute at Craven Cottage.

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