MARCUS RASHFORD has handed Manchester United a boost by returning to action on Wednesday afternoon.
The England forward, 23, took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Championship outfit Blackburn at Carrington.
It was his first taste of action since the Three Lions heart-breaking Euro 2020 defeat to Italy in July.
And unconfirmed reports say Rashford was also on the scoresheet in what will be a major boost to the Red Devils.
The forward had shoulder surgery at the end of July to rectify a problem which had troubled him since last autumn.
And he got the all clear to resume contact training with his team-mates on Friday.
His involvement against Rovers will be a boost for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he starts planning for a key few weeks.
United’s next game comes at Leicester next Saturday but United also face Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham in a pivotal run of fixtures.
BETTING SPECIAL: GET 30/1 ON FURY OR 50/1 ON WILDER FOR HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CLASH
Team-mate Dean Henderson said Rashford has looked good since re-joining the group.
The goalkeeper said: “It’s funny because he looks so sharp since he’s come back from his shoulder injury and everything from last season.
“I think he was carrying a few knocks. So for him to come back, he looks back to his best and I’m really excited to see him out there.
“I think he is going to help the team a lot.
“I think he got obviously thrown in at a young age and didn’t really get a break mentally to switch off,
“And I think it’s given him time to do this. He will be hungrier than ever to get back out there and play again.
“I do honestly think, sometimes, that a break is great.
“It’s helped me this summer and I’m sure it’s helped him. I think he’ll come back better than ever.”
United are facing the prospect of being without Fred and Edinson Cavani for the game at the King Power Stadium.
They face in each other in South America in the early hours of Friday morning English time – and then face a dash to get back to England in time to feature.
⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
Discover more from Today Headline
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.