FC Barcelona - Barca - FCB
The fitness of Marcus Rashford has become a concern for Man United after Michael Carrick confirmed the forward was taken off during Sunday’s draw with Fulham because of an issue. The timing could be significant, with Rashford initially included in England’s squad for the upcoming international fixtures, as per latest injury news.
Marcus Rashford leaves Fulham game early
Rashford started at Craven Cottage but his afternoon ended before the final whistle. Manchester United eventually drew 1-1 with Fulham after Matheus Cunha scored late to rescue a point for the visitors. The forward had already been involved in several attacking situations before being replaced. He was withdrawn in the closing stages, with Joshua Zirkzee coming on as Carrick looked for another option in attack.
After the match, Carrick admitted that Rashford had been dealing with a problem but could not give a clear indication of how serious it was. As reported by Manchester United, the manager said the forward had an issue that forced the change and added that he was unsure whether Rashford would be fit enough for England duty.
That uncertainty comes at an awkward point in the season. Rashford had been selected for international duty and was due to join up with Thomas Tuchel’s squad during the break.
Carrick backs Rashford despite slow start
Rashford’s fitness is not the only issue around his start to the season. The 28-year-old has yet to score or assist for United. This is despite playing often. Still, Carrick was happy with his display against Fulham. He said Rashford caused problems for the home defence. He also felt Rashford was getting into good spots to score.
United also need more goals from their attack. The team has had chances in the early weeks of the season but has not always finished them. Rashford will be one of the players United will look to as they try to improve in front of goal.
The international break now gives the England medical staff another situation to assess as Rashford continues playing football. Any decision on his participation is likely to depend on how the problem develops over the coming days. For United, the priority will be establishing whether Rashford has suffered anything serious or whether the substitution was mainly a precaution.
FC Barcelona - Barca - FCB
FC Barcelona - Barca - FCB
Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB–
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances Created
La Liga 32 8 7 46
Copa Del Rey 4 1 1 7
Champions League 11 5 3 14
United also monitor other fitness concerns
Rashford is not the only first-team player currently dealing with a fitness issue. As reported by the Mirror, Benjamin Sesko missed the Fulham trip after experiencing pain in his shin following the previous match against Brighton. Carrick explained that Sesko was not ready to play and said the club was continuing to assess the problem. His absence left United without one of their main attacking options, with Zirkzee eventually being used after Rashford went off.
There was some more encouraging news elsewhere in the squad. Carrick said Amad Diallo could return to group training after the international break, while Matthijs de Ligt is also working towards full fitness. Carlos Baleba was available on the bench at Fulham, giving Carrick another option as the squad begins to recover.
The immediate focus, though, will remain on Rashford. His condition will need to be assessed before United know whether he can link up with England or use the international break to recover. With the next Premier League match coming after the international window, United will hope the latest concern does not develop into a longer absence. Rashford’s availability could be important as Carrick looks to improve the team’s results after a difficult opening spell.