KEY POINTS

  • Marcus Rashford has netted 3 goals this season
  • He has picked up a muscle injury
  • Man Utd lost their opening game of the Europa League season

Marcus Rashford is unavailable for Manchester United's upcoming Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol.

Rashford has not traveled with Manchester United's squad for their Europa League tie, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday at Zimbru Stadium. The English striker has missed out on the opportunity because of a muscle injury, boss Erik ten Hag confirmed on the eve of the game.

"He is not available. It is still the [same] consequence after Arsenal. He has a muscle injury," Ten Hag told reporters, according to Man Utd's media. The Dutch boss also ensured that Rashford's injury is not too serious.

"I don't think [he will be out] too long. It's not really bad and we expect him back quite soon in the team," added Ten Hag.

Rashford, who missed 12 games last season due to surgery and a couple of injuries, has started the 2022-23 campaign on a high, having scored three goals and provided two assists in six matches in all competitions for Manchester United. As a result, Rashford is tipped for a return to the England squad, which is set to be announced by Gareth Southgate this Thursday.

The Three Lions are scheduled to face off against Italy at San Siro Stadium in Nations League. "I think this season he [Rashford] has had a great comeback and he has showed his great potential and quality," said Ten Hag.

Marcus Rashford (left) scored his first goal since January to earn Manchester United a 2-1 win over Liverpool
Marcus Rashford has returned to form under Erik ten Hag at Man Utd

The other key players who have not traveled to Moldova with Ten Hag and Co are Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Manchester United started off the 2022-23 Europa League campaign with a 1-0 loss at Real Sociedad, which also marked Cristiano Ronaldo's Europa debut.

With no Ronaldo in the Champions League, Messi is wasting no time in claiming more records. The Argentinean forward has become the first-ever player to score in 18 consecutive seasons of the top European competitions. Messi has also surpassed Ronaldo in a special Champions League list. By scoring in PSG's 3-1 win over Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, Messi has now netted a Champions League goal against 39 different clubs, one more than Ronaldo.