Rashford nears return as Pochettino prepares to take charge at Manchester United

Marcus Rashford is closing in on a return to fitness for Manchester United ahead of their Premier League visit to Liverpool on 22 November, with the club having previously turned down his offer to play through a hip injury that has kept him sidelined for five matches across all competitions.

The 29-year-old originally sustained the hip problem during the summer World Cup, and the injury worsened in the opening weeks of the season, spreading to his groin. Despite the setback, Rashford offered to serve as a bench option for United’s defeat to Chelsea at the end of last month. The club rejected the suggestion, judging the risk of further damage too great.

That caution appears to have been vindicated. Rashford travelled to Dublin last week to consult a specialist, and a structured recovery programme has since been put in place with the aim of having him available in just over a week’s time.

His return would arrive at a significant moment for the club. Michael Carrick was sacked on Thursday after days of speculation over his future, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to be appointed as his replacement. The Liverpool fixture at Anfield is anticipated to be Pochettino’s first game in charge, and Rashford’s availability would immediately broaden the attacking options at the new manager’s disposal.

Rashford is yet to score since returning to Old Trafford following a loan spell at Barcelona in the summer. He had been strongly linked with a permanent move to the Nou Camp, but the Spanish club opted against triggering the £26 million buy clause in his contract, leaving him to remain at United. Under Carrick, he started four of the seven Premier League games for which he was fit, before the hip problem forced him out of contention.

United currently sit in the Premier League relegation zone, making the return of one of their most experienced forwards all the more pressing as Pochettino looks to stabilise the club.