‘He will push’ – Ten Hag provides injury updates on Manchester United duo

Scott McTominay is set to miss Manchester United’s Premier League fixture away to Bournemouth but Marcus Rashford faces a chance to be fit for the trip with two days of training under his belt.

McTominay missed the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last week while Rashford was forced off in the second half. The forward took to social media during the week to make it clear the knock he sustained wasn’t a serious one.

It remains to be seen if Erik ten Hag will start Rashford against Bournemouth. It would be understood if the Dutchman benched the forward rather than rush him back a week before United’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City.

“Scott: I don’t think so,” Ten Hag said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “We have a training, so we have a day, he will push, he is so keen to be part of it tomorrow, so it’s very questionable.

“And then Rashford: Rashy trained yesterday, so how he recovered from it today, we have another training today and then we will make a decision on it.”

United will be without several defenders after Raphael Varane was ruled out for a few weeks and Jonny Evans will also miss the trip to Bournemouth. The Northern Ireland international is expected to return before Varane.

Willy Kambwala could make a consecutive start for United this weekend, alongside Harry Maguire in the heart of United’s defence.

Speaking about the problems his side has faced in defence this season, Ten Hag added: “It’s very difficult [to keep changing back four]. So everyone who has a little bit of knowledge about football – a little – they know it will affect your results and performances.

“Back four is always the foundation to get results. We didn’t have that. But we still have to win, we know that, so then others have to take responsibility but when you oversee then you know it has a negative impact.”

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