Manchester United are currently on a four-match winning streak in the Premier League and have recorded impressive wins against arch-rivals Liverpool and league leaders Arsenal along the way.
But his biggest test will come in October in the form of the Manchester Derby. Manchester City are currently on a roll and it will be difficult for Erik ten Hag’s men to get a positive result from the game.
But the Dutchman has already told his team that he feels they are ready to challenge Pep Guardiola’s side for the title and October 2 will be the best time to present their credentials.
Rash fitness boost
And the manager is set to get a big boost in the form of a returning Marcus Rashford. Sources have told ESPN that United are “hopeful to get Marcus Rashford fit for the derby against Manchester City next month after the international break.”
#MUFC is hoping to get Marcus #Rashford fit for the derby against Man City. The club’s medical staff do not believe the injury is serious and he should be in line to play City provided he can return to training with the rest of the team next week. [ESPN]
– Man United Fan Zone (@mufzone07) September 19, 2022
The Mancunian was sent off in the dying moments of United’s 3-1 win over the Gunners and has since missed his side’s last two Europa League games due to a muscle injury.
“The club’s medical staff do not believe the injury is serious and he should be in line to play City provided he can return to training with the rest of the team next week,” the ESPN article mentions.
He is currently United’s joint top goalscorer with three goals and two assists and his good form for his club meant he was in line to return to his national team. Ten Hag has already indicated that he sees the United academy graduate as his best striker.
The injury ultimately meant that Gareth Southgate had to leave the 24-year-old out of his plans for the time being, but if he maintains his blistering form, Rashford is likely to make the cut for the World Cup.
not martial yet
This will be a huge boost for Ten Hag as he is currently at a standstill in terms of options of who can play as the sole striker up front. Cristiano Ronaldo opened his account for the season against Sheriff Tiraspol, but has not yet reached his full fitness.
United will require a dynamic pressure option up front for the derby and the Portuguese will be unsuited for that role. Jadon Sancho and Christian Eriksen have been tested there before, but Rashford is the best option if United want to win.
But the 20-time English champions are much more cautious when it comes to the return of Anthony Martial. His last appearance was in the win over Liverpool and he has been sidelined ever since with an Achilles tendon injury.
“Sources have told ESPN that United are being more cautious with Anthony Martial, who hasn’t played since August due to an Achilles tendon injury, given how problematic the issue can become if not given time to heal. ”.
Fans are hoping that all the players will return from international duty without injury so that Ten Hag will have a fully fit squad to choose from as he prepares to face his first Manchester Derby.
