Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday evening with the threat of this season fizzling out looming large.
While the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday was respectable, it is unlikely to do much for their ambitions to qualify for the Champions League next season. United are 11 points behind Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur who are battling it out for the final remaining spots in the elite competition.
For Erik ten Hag, the best he can hope for is qualification for the Europa League and winning the FA Cup this season. As we have known for some time, the prestigious domestic cup competition represents United’s best chance of winning silverware
Even though the Premier League is beginning to play second fiddle this season, Ten Hag will be keen to see some positive signs from United when they travel to the South Coast this weekend. AFC Bournemouth have enjoyed a relatively good season and have proven themselves as being tough to beat at home throughout the campaign.
A victory against the Cherries will hopefully put some distance between United and the chasing pack and avoid the indignity of playing Europa Conference League football next season. If the Reds are to win on Saturday they may have to do it without Marcus Rashford.
As we take a look at the latest training session in closer detail, we explains why Ten Hag will be sweating over the fitness of his winger.
No Marcus Rashford
The United winger was substituted during the draw with Liverpool on Sunday but Ten Hag was hopeful it was not a serious issue. Rashford attempted to put fans’ minds at ease post-match when he declared he would be okay after coming off but he was nowhere to be seen as the full available first team trained at Carrington.
Amad pushing to replace Rashford
After his heroics against Liverpool, Amad has had to bide his time for another chance. Injury to Rashford could give the Ivorian an opening in the starting XI but Antony’s recent upturn in form could scupper his hopes. The former Ajax man was also pictured in training on Wednesday.
Willy Kambwala is in line for another start
With United’s injury woes at the back, Kambwala was called upon to partner Harry Maguire at the back against Liverpool. It was an assured performance from the Frenchman and he is likely to be called upon again this weekend with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans still missing.
Next United Academy star given chance to impress
Following Kobbie Mainoo’s seamless transition to the first team and Kambwala beginning to make a name for himself in the United XI, fans are desperate to see which youngster will be given a chance yet.
No player has impressed supporters on social media more than Shea Lacey who, at 16, already looks to be a special talent for the future. The winger from Merseyside has been compared to Manchester City’s Phil Foden, as well as playing for England from Under-15s to U-17 level.
And supporters wonder if he could make a teen impact similar to a history-making darts prodigy, now 17, who supports United.
He was put through his paces with the first team on Wednesday which could suggest he will be introduced at some stage soon.