According to ESPN, United are hopeful that Rashford will be fit to play in the Manchester derby next month. As per the report, United staff do not believe Rashford’s injury is serious and he is likely to start if he recovers in time to train next week.

Anthony Martial, on the other hand, is not believed to be as close to a return. The Frenchman has not started a game this season and his only appearance came as a second-half substitute against Liverpool when he assisted the eventual winner.

Martial enjoyed a promising pre-season but just like most of his seven-year stay at Old Trafford, his progress has been halted by injuries under Ten Hag.

SN’s verdict… Rashford’s return to the pitch is crucial for Ten Hag and especially in a game like this. The Wythenshawe-born forward has already proven that he is United’s most potent weapon in big games.

City also have a clear weakness in defending against quick players and Rashford could really flourish in this game if he’s passed fit. Should he not recover in time for the game, it’s likely that Cristiano Ronaldo will be reintroduced to the side.

Ronaldo has started just one Premier League game and made appearances from the bench in the other five fixtures.