Erik ten Hag praises Rashford ‘comeback’ after offering cautious prediction, but refuses to rise to Ronaldo hint

Marcus Rashford will be absent for Manchester United in their Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.

Manchester United are in Moldova, ready for their second group game of this season’s Europa League. They are looking to get off the mark after losing their opener 1-0 to Real Sociedad. Now, they are in uncharted territory to face a side they have never met before.

Sheriff managed to beat Real Madrid away in last season’s Champions League. Despite this, Manchester United will go into the match as clear favourites.

However, they will have to get through the 90 minutes without Rashford, who has been ruled out with a muscle injury.

Erik ten Hag confirmed at a pre-match press conference: “He is not available. It is still the consequence after Arsenal. He has a muscle injury.”

That said, the Dutch tactician is hoping to have Rashford available again soon enough.

He clarified: “No, I don’t think too long, but I cannot tell how long. It’s not really bad and we expect him to be back quite soon.”

Rashford’s absence means he might miss out on the England squad for the upcoming September international break. It would have been his last chance to remind Gareth Southgate first hand what he is capable of.

There were claims that the forward was going to earn his recall to the national team. But Ten Hag is still optimistic that Rashford’s hopes of getting a call-up can remain intact.

Asked if he can make the England squad, Ten Hag replied: “It’s quite clear, sure, yes.

“I think this season he has had a great comeback and he has showed his great potential and quality.”

Rashford has been operating as a centre-forward this season, helping the side when Cristiano Ronaldo has not been starting. They reversed roles last week, though, with the Englishman unavailable because of the injury.

The chance for Ronaldo, one of the game’s greatest ever players, to star against Sheriff has therefore obviously got the local media talking. But Ten Hag could not confirm whether the number seven will play.

He responded: “I’m sorry but the Moldovan fans will have to wait until tomorrow.”

Fellow forward Anthony Martial has also not travelled for the game, while neither have midfielder Donny van de Beek nor full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Erik ten Hag previews Sheriff clash

Sheriff are the current group leaders after dispatching Omonia in their first match last week.

And after their exploits in last season’s Champions League group stage, Ten Hag cannot approach them as an easy opponent.

He said: “It’s quite clear, they beat Real Madrid and Shakhtar, they are capable. We have to make it our game but we are conscious of that fact.

“They are a serious and decent opponent and we have to play our best for the win.”

The 52-year-old also hinted at a strong team selection as they go about their task of having to win.

He added: “Pressure is for every game, we have to win every game. When you lose the first game, you have to win the second, so we know what our task is.

“We always play a strong team, so also tomorrow we will play a strong team.”

The game will kick off at 5:45pm UK time on Thursday.

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