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EFL Cup | Final

Feb 26, 2023 at 4.30pm UK

Wembley Stadium

Man Utd
2 - 0
Newcastle

Casemiro (33'), Rashford (39')
Dalot (9'), Fred (37'), de Gea (84'), Casemiro (87'), Shaw (90+1'), Martinez (90+6')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Joelinton (45+6'), Botman (67'), Schar (90+6')

Marcus Rashford emerges as injury doubt for EFL Cup final?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 24 February 2023

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford seemingly emerges as a potential injury doubt for Sunday's EFL Cup final with Newcastle United.

Marcus Rashford has hinted that he sustained a knock during Manchester United's victory over Barcelona on Thursday night.

Trailing at half time, United stormed back after the break to record a 2-1 win over the La Liga giants to move through to the last 16 of the Europa League.

Brazilian duo Fred and Antony netted the goals for Erik ten Hag's side on a rare night when Rashford did not trouble the scoresheet.

For the first time in six matches, the in-form striker did not contribute a goal or assist before he was substituted in the 88th minute.

At the time, it was perceived that the England international was being withdrawn with Sunday's EFL Cup final with Newcastle United in mind.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured before the match on January 18, 2023 © Reuters

However, the 25-year-old has seemingly hinted that he picked up a minor injury during the latter stages of the contest at Old Trafford.

On Instagram stories, Rashford accompanied an image of him walking down the touchline with a bandaged emoji, just three days before United attempt to end a six-year wait for silverware.

In the minutes prior to his withdrawal, Rashford had advanced into the box before attempting to shoot from an acute angle, only to be blocked off by a defender.

Rashford took his time before getting back to his feet, with United choosing to kick the ball out of play in order for him to receive some attention, as well as run down the clock.

Manchester United's Antony celebrates scoring against Barcelona on February 23, 2023 © Reuters

That occurred several minutes before Rashford was able to make his way off the pitch unaided, something which will be deemed positive ahead of the weekend.

Should Rashford be unable to participate at Wembley Stadium, United have alternatives to fill the void out wide in the form of Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.

Nevertheless, Rashford is more likely to start down the middle of the attack having been switched there at half time versus Barcelona, a consequence of Wout Weghorst struggling to make the same impact as a number nine than he did in a deeper role at Camp Nou.

Rashford possesses a phenomenal record in this season's EFL Cup, recording five goals and two assists from just 282 minutes in the competition.