Jose Mourinho confirms Marcus Rashford treat
…As Manchester United tackles Huddersfield:
Jose Mourinho has confirmed Marcus Rashford is available for Manchester United’s Premier League clash at Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon, after the Academy graduate limped down the tunnel following his match-winning goal against Benfica in midweek.
Rashford struck the only goal of the game at Estadio da Luz in Portugal, with an in-swinging free-kick that was carried into the net by young goalkeeper Mile Svilar. The 19-year-old forward was later taken off for Anthony Martial on 76 minutes with what was described by the boss as a possible knee problem.
Thankfully, the manager explained at his pre-match press conference on Friday that Rashford is fine and ready for action against Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium. Jose then told reporters: “Nobody else is coming back. We have the same players as we had for the Benfica match.4
Mourinho’s update suggests that Phil Jones is also available to play, after sitting on the bench for the UEFA Champions League win due to the slight injury that he suffered during the recent international break. Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof started in his and Eric Bailly’s absence.
Central midfielders Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini are definitely out of action due to their injuries, while long-term absentee Marcos Rojo is expected to return soon.
Meanhwile, Manchester United will be expected to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend when they travel to Huddersfield.
United’s 0-0 draw at Liverpool last Saturday was the first time Jose Mourinho’s side have failed to score this season. The United manager has been criticised for his defensive approach at Anfield but his side are only two points off top spot and they’ve all but guaranteed a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League.
United have only conceded two goals in the league this season and both of those came at Stoke. United could become the first team in top flight history to keep eight clean sheets in their first nine matches of a season. It would be a major surprise if Mourinho’s men were not among the goals against Huddersfield who are starting to find the going a bit tougher in the Premier League.
David Wagner’s side picked up seven points from their opening three games but they haven’t won since the 20th of August. Tottenham have already beaten Huddersfield 4-0 so not many will give them a chance of getting anything from United Saturday. They go to Anfield next week so the reality of the task ahead this season may be starting to sink in for Wagner and co.
The first top flight meeting of Huddersfield and Manchester United since 1972 will be the commentary game on Premier League Live with thanks to Sky Sports.
Ian Beach and Jason McAteer will be in the commentary box for us at the John Smith’s Stadium.
We’ll be joined by Mark Lawrenson as always to preview the weekend’s action and John Giles is this week’s guest in the Boot Room as he looks back on the great Leeds United team he played in during the 60’s and 70’s.
