Rashford trains normally before Sabah FK: Carrick's rotation dilemma

Marcus Rashford trained normally with Manchester United at Carrington on Wednesday, four days after being substituted in the 2-2 draw with Everton. Michael Carrick said the forward was withdrawn after feeling a bit of something, but Rashford’s movement on the training pitch looked fluid. The manager has used a vague term to keep Sabah FK guessing before United’s first Champions League match since December 2026. Luke Shaw was absent on a designated rest day. Rashford spent 18 months on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Barcelona declined to make the move permanent. Rumors point to decline, but clauses point to financial constraints. Guardiola’s public comment about taking Rashford tomorrow reinforces his value. The real issue is workload and rotation. With Manchester City visiting Old Trafford on Sunday, Carrick could limit Rashford's minutes against Sabah FK, or leave him on the bench. The selection list will clarify the situation. Rashford has made three appearances this season, starting the last two games against Ipswich and Everton. He is not showing signs of fatigue, but a congested schedule forces Carrick to protect him for the derby. Rashford's loan at Barcelona did not produce a permanent transfer, but his movement remains dangerous. Carrick is rebuilding a system that can use Rashford's runs in behind. The fitness update is less important than how Carrick plans to distribute minutes across a week with two big matches. The real test is not Sabah FK; it is Manchester City. If Rashford starts and is substituted around the 60th minute, the plan is clear. If he is on the bench, the message is tactical. If he is missing from the squad, fitness is the real problem. Carrick's vague phrase will lose its meaning once the referee blows the whistle.