Why Marcus Rashford is absent from Manchester United’s matchday squad vs Fulham

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United applauds fans following their sides defeat in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on November 01, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Despite being pictured making the trip down to London on Friday, Marcus Rashford has been omitted from Manchester United’s matchday squad to face Fulham this afternoon.

The Red Devils are undergoing their final preparations at Craven Cottage in hopes of overseeing a convincing and dominant win after two consecutive 3-0 losses.

Rashford has not been in prolific form by any means this season but maintains the trust of Erik ten Hag when it comes to starting every game. Today, he has been replaced by Alejandro Garnacho.

Rashford’s absence explained

As per Samuel Luckhurst, the England international picked up a ‘heavy knock’ to his leg in training and failed a late fitness test this morning, ruling him out of the Premier League clash entirely. It remains to be seen whether he will recover in time for Wednesday’s Champions League contest in Copenhagen.

Ten Hag will be hoping that youngster Garnacho can recreate the same heroics from last season’s trip to Craven Cottage; he netted a 93rd-minute winner to clinch all three points in emphatic fashion away from home.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm.