In a worrisome turn of events for Manchester United, both goalkeeper Andre Onana and forward Marcus Rashford have suffered injuries while on international duty, adding to manager Erik ten Hag’s growing list of concerns.
Onana’s setback occurred during Cameroon’s World Cup qualifier against Mauritius, where he sustained a suspected adductor injury while making a crucial save. Leaving the pitch 10 minutes from time, the extent of his injury remains unclear, leaving United fans anxious about the goalkeeper’s availability for the upcoming matches.
Cameroon officials have not provided an official statement on Onana’s condition, leaving uncertainty about his participation in the next World Cup Group D qualifier against Libya. This potential blow compounds the defensive challenges already faced by ten Hag, with Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen already sidelined due to injuries.
Adding to the concerns, Marcus Rashford also suffered a setback during England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta. Coming off the pitch in the 60th minute after a collision with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rashford’s injury raises questions about his availability for United’s upcoming fixtures.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, provided a somewhat reassuring update, stating, “I think he [Rashford] is probably okay.” However, the full extent of Rashford’s injury remains to be assessed, leaving fans and the coaching staff on edge.
As United prepares to face Everton and Galatasaray in crucial matches following the international break, the fitness of Onana and Rashford becomes a pivotal factor in ten Hag’s tactical considerations. The international break, meant to offer respite, has instead brought further challenges for Manchester United, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of football and the delicate balance of managing player fitness during national team duties.