Marcus Rashford has returned from injury to join the first team squad for tonight’s Champions League group game against Copenhagen FC after Erik ten Hag said the striker is “committed” to the club.
Rashford, 26, who has only scored 1 goal this season, failed a late fitness test before United’s dramatic 1-0 win against Fulham.
“Marcus is very committed to Manchester United, to this team,” said Ten Hag.
The Man Utd manager said that the England international is “100 per cent” ready to play.
Man Utd desperately needs a win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16 alive. Their only win in the Champions League this season was due to Andre Onana’s heroics at Old Trafford the last time these two sides met when he saved a penalty in the 97th minute.
Their league form has not fared any better with the team in 8th place, having suffered heavy defeats to Arsenal, Brighton and Manchester City. Results like these have brought Erik ten Hag’s job as manager under increasing scrutiny.
In yesterday’s press conference, ten Hag understands that recent performances have not been good enough: “I am sure, once we get there, we will play better. We will improve our game. The performance will be better.”
However, as United found out two weeks ago a victory against Copenhagen is not a foregone conclusion. Copenhagen boss Jacob Neestrup is confident that his side will cause an upset.
“For me, it’s not about hope. For me, it’s about strong belief that we can get a result”.
Neestrup also feels that the unique atmosphere of Parken could play a big part in causing that upset.
“What can they expect? I would say with all the respect I felt when I stepped into Old Trafford, then I felt the historical atmosphere,” said the Dutch boss
“But you can’t compare Old Trafford with Parken because the intensity is times 100 in terms of what we played in two weeks ago. Then this is a standard (that), for me, is way above Premier League, to be honest.” added the 35-year-old.
As well as Marcus Rashford, Manchester United will be buoyed by the return of defenders Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Wan-Bissaka could make his first European appearance of the season after returning from injury.
Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia all remain sidelined.