Carrick unsure on Rashford injury after Man Utd limp to draw at Fulham

Marcus Rashford left the pitch holding his groin during Manchester United’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Fulham on Sunday, with interim manager Michael Carrick conceding the forward had ‘a bit of an issue’ but unable to offer a clear prognosis.

Rashford was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee in the 77th minute — Carrick’s first substitution of the afternoon — as United chased a goal after Lisandro Martinez’s own goal had handed Fulham the lead in the 63rd minute. Matheus Cunha’s heavily deflected effort in the 89th minute rescued a point for the visitors.

“We had to bring him off as he had a bit of an issue,” Carrick told beIN Sports. Asked whether Rashford was alright, the United manager replied simply: “I’m not sure.”

The uncertainty is particularly ill-timed. Rashford has been called up by England manager Thomas Tuchel for an extended Nations League break that includes four fixtures — home and away against Czechia, a home game against Spain, and a trip to Croatia — before United return to action against Tottenham on 18 October. Whether Rashford will be available for any of those games now hinges on the results of further assessment.

The 28-year-old has yet to score or register an assist in six appearances — totalling 435 minutes — for United this season. Carrick nonetheless defended his contribution at Craven Cottage. “Marcus was a threat,” he said. “He could have had a couple of goals for us today. He’s getting himself in good positions, it’s just not quite falling for him. It will. We know Marcus. We know how to get the best out of him.”

Benjamin Sesko was also absent from the squad after feeling pain in his shin following United’s previous match against Brighton. “He definitely wasn’t ready for today,” Carrick confirmed. “I haven’t got any more news to give you, just that he felt pain on his shin.”

On a more positive note, Carrick indicated that Amad Diallo could return to group training after the international break, while Matthijs de Ligt is also working towards fitness. Carlos Baleba was named on the bench at Fulham, another incremental step in United’s injury recovery.

The draw leaves United with just one win from their opening five Premier League games, piling further pressure on Carrick ahead of what promises to be a defining run of fixtures on the resumption of domestic football.