Marcus Rashford drops out of England squad due to knock picked up against Fulham in FA Cup Quarterfinal
By Vatsal Gupta
In bittersweet news for Manchester United, Marcus Rashford has been dropped out of the England squad for the upcoming fixtures in the international break due to a knock he picked up against Fulham during the FA Cup quarter-final fixture.
The news would worry the club and its fans but would also give the mercurial forward time to rest amidst what has been a hectic campaign for both club and country.
Marcus Rashford has played the third-most minutes for United, behind only GK David de Gea and the ever-present Bruno Fernandes. Combine that with his exploits at the World Cup for England, the near-2-week break would come as a welcome reprieve for United’s top scorer this season.
Rashford has scored 27 goals this season, along with nine assists in 44 games across all competitions. This breakout season has given him undroppable status this season. It is a far cry from last season when he was struggling with his game in a season of dysfunction at the club. The Wythenshawe prodigy has been the main beneficiary of Erik ten Hag’s arrival as he has unlocked another level to his game.
United have looked like a transformed side when Rashford is on the pitch and his presence creates space for others to wreak havoc. Therefore, this news is bittersweet for the club. While no club would wish injury upon any player, the timing of this knock would enable Rashford to recuperate and lead United’s three-pronged charge at glory full-tilt.
Manchester United will resume their season on April 2, away to Newcastle. They play three games in the Premier League in a week before their sojourn to Seville for Europa League Quarterfinals. The club is in all three competitions, having already won the Carabao Cup. With Christian Eriksen also close to returning and Anthony Martial inching closer to full fitness, Erik ten Hag will need his squad fully fit and firing to tackle a gruelling fixture list.