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regular-article-logo Thursday, 03 October 2024

Premier League: Manchester United handed Varane boost but 'big question mark' over Marcus Rashford, says Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag’s side have 63 points from 34 games to sit two points below Newcastle United as the top-four race heats up

Reuters Manchester Published 13.05.23, 05:12 AM
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (left) shares a laugh with Wesley Fofana during a training session.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (left) shares a laugh with Wesley Fofana during a training session. Twitter

Manchester United were handed an injury boost with centre back Raphael Varane back in contention when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday but top scorer MarcusRashford is a major doubt, manager Erik ten Hag said on Friday.

Varane has not played for a month since he was substituted in their Europa League draw with Sevilla and his return comes at the right time with United looking to consolidate a top-four spot with four games left.

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However, Rashford, who has scored 29 goals in all competitions this season, may not be available for the game at Old Trafford.

“Varane is back and Rashford is doubtful,” Ten Hag told reporters. “He has a problem, so (it is an) injury on his leg. He’s a big question mark for tomorrow (Saturday) but happy Varane is back.

“We have players who can score goals and they have the opportunity now to show it. Varane is experienced, knows how to win and will lead how to win, will guide us.

“Alejandro Garnacho has one more week training, definitely, so he is available. We have seen he can bring something extra to the team.”

Ten Hag’s side have 63 points from 34 games to sit two points below Newcastle United as the top-four race heats up. Newcastle play at Leeds United on Saturday.

Meanwhile, a resurgent Liverpool have won six straight games to sit one point behind United in fifth having played a game more.

But Ten Hag was confident his players would come through, saying they werenot showing any signs of nerves despite back-to-back defeats.

“We know that (Liverpool’s run) but it’s not important because we have everything in our hands,” the Dutch manager said.

“What is important is the opponent we face tomorrow: Wolves.”

Chelsea’s season may be over with nothing left to fight for but manager Frank Lampard said on Friday that he is wary of Nottingham Forest who are still involved in a relegation battle.

Forest are 16th with 33 points, three points above the relegation zone.

Chelsea ended a nine-match winless run in all competitions when they beat Bournemouth last weekend but Lampard said that was just a “small step forward” for the London club.

Leo is Leo: PSG coach

Paris: Lionel Messi will start Paris St Germain's Ligue 1 home game against AC Ajaccio on Saturday after returning to training following a club-imposed suspension, coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday.

"I spoke with him on Tuesday to see what his mindset was and I found him very determined to play... He will start tomorrow (Saturday)," Galtier told a press conference.

Messi was back in training on Monday after being suspended for making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia and missing a training session as a result.

The player's focus is on winning the French title Galtier said. "He's very eager to win that title," the coach said.

"With him in the team we'll have to adjust compared to what we did against Troyes. Leo is Leo. I'm not going to go into statistics but when he's with us we have to strike a different balance."

Reuters

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