{"id":541031,"date":"2020-01-20T13:22:04","date_gmt":"2020-01-20T18:22:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=541031"},"modified":"2020-02-15T16:35:36","modified_gmt":"2020-02-15T21:35:36","slug":"why-rashfords-injury-could-ruin-uniteds-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/01\/20\/why-rashfords-injury-could-ruin-uniteds-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Marcus Rashford Injury Could Ruin Manchester United\u2019s season"},"content":{"rendered":"

It was confirmed earlier today<\/a> that Marcus Rashford<\/a> has suffered a double stress fracture in his back and could face upwards of six weeks on the sidelines. Here is why Rashford\u2019s injury could ruin United\u2019s season.<\/p>\n

Why Rashford\u2019s Injury Will Ruin United\u2019s Season<\/h2>\n

In a season that has yielded little success for United so far, Rashford has been a shining light. He has fourteen league goals this season, making him second to top scorer at the time of his last match. He has shown maturity this season as he breaks many of his personal records. This, however, has come to a halt following a severe injury sustained in United\u2019s FA Cup replay against Wolves<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Injury<\/h3>\n

Already a doubt for United\u2019s game against Wolves following fitness concerns, Rashford started on the bench. After they failed to score for 60 minutes, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer<\/a> brought on their star player. Rashford, however, only managed to stay on the pitch for 16 minutes. He came off following an injury sustained in a tackle from Matt Doherty<\/a> and a failed attempt to continue playing. It was not expected to be serious at first, however, following closer examination, it was revealed<\/a> that Rashford had picked up a double stress fracture in his back, and also had a floating bone in his ankle which had to be removed. He was\u00a0playing through immense pain<\/a> to help the team. This will take six weeks to heal, and with rehab included, Marcus Rashford is looking at two to three months out.<\/p>\n

Other Problems for United this Season<\/h3>\n

This injury could not have come at a worse time for the Red Devils. Not only do they already have a host of injuries to deal with<\/a>, but they have an incredible amount of fixture congestion coming up. These games are not easy either. Two matches against rivals Manchester City<\/a> look the most difficult. One of these they do, away, with the hope of saving their Carabao Cup campaign. The other is at home in the league. United also have league fixtures at Spurs<\/a> and Chelsea<\/a>, and have to face Club Brugge<\/a> in their Europa League round of 32 tie, as well as subsequent games in that competition provided they get through. United clearly missed Rashford\u2019s clinical finishing in their most recent fixture at Anfield against league leaders Liverpool<\/a>, United look to have a rough season ahead.<\/p>\n

More High Profile Injuries<\/h3>\n

Manchester United\u2019s season has not been light on injuries, and it still isn\u2019t, with arguably their three best players out. Along with Marcus Rashford, midfield duo Paul Pogba<\/a> and Scott McTominay<\/a> join a few sidelined backup players.<\/p>\n

Scott McTominay<\/h4>\n

One of the most exciting young talents on the current Manchester United scene, Scott McTominay, is out until after the February break<\/a>. He has become vital in the United team when not ruled out by injury and has stepped up in big games. The Scott has demonstrated leadership qualities and could be a future captain, while also providing a prominent physical presence in the middle of midfield. He is a player of real quality and a big miss for Manchester United.<\/p>\n

Paul Pogba<\/h4>\n

Paul Pogba has been one of the biggest absentees in the United side this season. He has only appeared seven times, starting just five of those games. As such a vital player in the Manchester United team, Pogba’s unavailability has hit them hard. He is the most creative central midfielder they have, and creativity is something United have certainly lacked this season. Current central midfield pairing Fred<\/a> and Nemanja Matic<\/a> look devoid of creativity. This is just one of the many qualities Manchester United\u2019s currently fit midfield lacks compared to Pogba.<\/p>\n

Fred brings energy and determination, as well as some quality, while Matic brings experience. Despite being important traits, they do not make up for the lack of United\u2019s top two midfielders. Fred has been fairly consistent this season, yet Pogba and McTominay are a tremendous partnership. It is a shame for United that they have only played together in the Premier League five times this season, but they look to both be back fit by the end of February.<\/p>\n

Injury of Rashford Compounds the Problems<\/h3>\n

Rashford adding to United\u2019s injury woes not only reduces United’s creativity, but it also leaves them with a lack of goal threat. Since the injury of Pogba and McTominay, chances have come at a premium for United. Without Rashford, the Reds will struggle to finish off the few opportunities they create. With the calibre of their upcoming games so high, Rashford\u2019s injury could ruin Manchester United\u2019s season.<\/p>\n

Close Table<\/h3>\n

Not only are United by no means guaranteed a Champions League place, but they are also fighting for one in a league where the gap from fifth to 14th place is just seven points. An extremely poor run of form which this injury could cause may lead to a significant downfall of United this season, and Marcus Rashford\u2019s injury is doing nothing to help them.<\/p>\n

Personal Miseries<\/h3>\n

This injury will see Rashford miss most of the rest of United\u2019s Premier League<\/a> campaign. Not only will he not get to fully finish what he started this season, but if his recovery does not go as planned, Rashford could miss the whole rest of the 2019\/20 season and potentially been Euro 2020.<\/p>\n

Yet another high profile injury has occurred due to the large amount of fixture congestion during the festive period of the English season, and despite its popularity with fans, it seems that it may not be safe for the players.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>