Rashford absent from Man Utd training ahead of Europa League tie

Marcus Rashford is a doubt for Manchester United’s Europa League tie with Sheriff Tiraspol after missing training on Monday.

The Red Devils were defeated in their opening Group E game last week, surprisingly going down 1-0 to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, and now face table-topping Sheriff, who cruised to a 3-0 win over Omonia on matchday one.

But the game in Moldova may not feature Rashford, who alongside Jadon Sancho is in line for an England recall, after he was missing from United’s latest training session.

The 24-year-old has already bagged three Premier League goals this season, recapturing some of his old form, and played a starring role in the 3-1 win over Arsenal before the footballing calendar was paused following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

United‘s game in Moldova on Thursday will go ahead as planned, but their Premier League clash with Leeds United on Sunday has already been called off because of police shortages.

It’s not yet known whether Rashford has sustained an injury or whether his absence from training was precautionary, but should he not be available, Cristiano Ronaldo is in line to make another Thursday night start as he attempts to force his way back into Erik ten Hag’s starting 11.

The Portuguese legend, who was angling for a move away from the club over the summer in order to play Champions League football, has largely had a watching brief under Ten Hag, with concerns aired over whether the 37-year-old is capable of adjusting to the Dutchman’s style of play.