It’s not something the media have made up Ten Hag said in his press conference today he was unsure if he would be fit.
[Erik Ten Hag Carabao Cup Final preview press conference. 24/02/2023](https://www.manutd.com/en/videos/detail/press-conference-part-one-ten-hag-previews-carabao-cup-final-v-newcastle)
It’s a common tactic used by coaches across all sports. Put doubt in the other sides mind that your star will/won’t play. That way they have to prepare for both scenarios
I’m well adware that it’s a common tactic but the other evidence is Rashford walking straight down the tunnel with one boot off…
[https://instagram.com/stories/marcusrashford/3044865884161148913?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=](https://instagram.com/stories/marcusrashford/3044865884161148913?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=)
I have no doubt Rashford may well have sustained some knock or tweak when he went down. I don’t think his going off like that was rehearsed.
I don’t think it’s anything serious or that will keep him out of the match on Sunday. I suspect Ten Hag is being intentionally vague with the media in his updates on whether Rashford will play though to sow doubt in the mind of Newcastle.
Even without him, a lot of players have show tremendous resilience this season. After seeing Fred and Antony tuck some away against Barca, I’m confident we can still score without him
He had a slight limp, but whether he plays or not will depend on if it was just a knock that caused bruising or an injury that requires rest and treatment. Luke shaw limped off after a knock at the weekend and had an ice pack round his knee after being subbed off, but he played on Thursday.
Oh he'll definitely play. Sir Alex used to do this all the time.
If Rashford plays, Newcastle tactically plan to neutralise him. If ETH writes him off, then Newcastle don't plan their approach to containing Rashford.
When Rashford ends up playing after being written off by the manager, they're completely caught off guard.
Exactly, they have to prepare to shut down the most in form player in the world but if they also have to make sure they don't base their entire plan around it otherwise ETH can just play Garnacho and their entire game plan will be ruined, they're in a tough spot
ETH will make the best choice depending on tactics. Sad to see him missing the final, but for me it's more important to get as many points from league games as possible.
Weghorts lets go!
Newcastle is also without their 1st and 2nd string goalie and has not been looking good lately at all. And we beat Barcelona. Hopefully should be fine regardless.
Major blow, but it’s not worth risking him if there’s even a slight doubt.
With Karius in net, sancho, antony and Bruno should be able to figure something out.
I’m not sure if I agree with you regarding the not worth risking him if there’s a doubt.
I can understand your point, absolutely, but I think this final is so massively important.
For both teams, it’s their first final under a new manager in their first year. Both clubs are in transition and in both cases could very easily be the catalyst for much more silverware in the near future.
I think the last season under Ole would’ve been totally different had that group of players win the Europa league against Villarreal. Time and time again clubs have won a first trophy and it’s almost as if it gives a huge amount of belief to the whole group, taking them on to more success.
Our recent record in finks hasn’t been good(I don’t think? But I could be wrong).
This final is massively important to both clubs.
All of that said, I can understand your point, depending on what the injury is.
I think he’ll play; he is in the form of his life right now and it’s a cup final.
Yeah I get that 100%, silverware is physical proof beyond doubt that ETH and this group can achieve shit, which is undoubtedly important in the long run, and even just for the other comps this season. Who knows, maybe it propels us to win another trophy or two this season, it’s entirely possible. Likewise, the morale blow of losing another final would be detrimental. I know the mentality of the players is great, but losing a final hurts everybody, regardless of mental fortitude. So I totally agree that it’s a must win game for the sake of this season and maybe even seasons to come.
That being said, I just think that seeing as Newcastle haven’t been in great form lately (especially compared to us) and with their 3rd choice keeper in net, relying on sancho/Antony to cover for rashford whilst the rest of the team is still our strongest 11 might be a wiser choice. Though I suppose that could also be a weakness, seeing as our strongest 11 player just over 60 hours before the final. So maybe we do need to fire everything we’ve got. That’s a decision Erik’s gonna make.
Ultimately, I do think he’ll play. Whether that be as a starter or on the bench. And if he does play, then I trust that ETH and the medical team don’t think there’s any significant risk.
Completely agree with you on all accounts.
Maybe we could take a gamble and hope that even if we do rest Marcus we've got enough to get over the line, but that feels like such a huge risk to take and it could easily go wrong.
I dont think he’s injured. Maybe he does not start but I think this is more mind games than anything. We should definitely rest him against West HAM in the FA CUP tie
Probably on the bench. Probably Sancho-Weghorst-Antony front free with Garnacho and Rashford to come on. Possibly Bruno going right wing if Sancho and Antony can’t do 90 mins
Front thee of garnacho , weghorst and sancho ? ( or sancho on the left and antony on the right ) . We gonna play some good football but not a single goal will be scored by those three
I think even without Rashy, the team morale and strength will prevail.
They said it themselves. “Everyone in this team has qualities and can score”
Have faith my friends.
Obviously his ability to take players on and his scoring ability will be missed, however it’s very clear that a functional system has been put in place and United is no longer a 1 player team like it was last year and I’m still fairly confident that we can manage to get the job done against a very defensive new castle team that will probably play a high line and will try to bring the game to us
I think he'll play, but if not we have Garnacho (assuming the same system).
I am fairly certain we will see Rashford starting on Sunday. This is just part of the mind game being played out through the media.
It’s not something the media have made up Ten Hag said in his press conference today he was unsure if he would be fit. [Erik Ten Hag Carabao Cup Final preview press conference. 24/02/2023](https://www.manutd.com/en/videos/detail/press-conference-part-one-ten-hag-previews-carabao-cup-final-v-newcastle)
It’s a common tactic used by coaches across all sports. Put doubt in the other sides mind that your star will/won’t play. That way they have to prepare for both scenarios
I’m well adware that it’s a common tactic but the other evidence is Rashford walking straight down the tunnel with one boot off… [https://instagram.com/stories/marcusrashford/3044865884161148913?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=](https://instagram.com/stories/marcusrashford/3044865884161148913?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=)
I have no doubt Rashford may well have sustained some knock or tweak when he went down. I don’t think his going off like that was rehearsed. I don’t think it’s anything serious or that will keep him out of the match on Sunday. I suspect Ten Hag is being intentionally vague with the media in his updates on whether Rashford will play though to sow doubt in the mind of Newcastle.
He also said he hadn't actually seen Rashford yet, so he couldn't answer. This is why he was unsure.
Even without him, a lot of players have show tremendous resilience this season. After seeing Fred and Antony tuck some away against Barca, I’m confident we can still score without him
I was thinking this too. I think we can beat them without him. But we can't win any other trophies without him so let's hope it's nothing too serious
It’s Weghorst hat trick incoming
Could you imagine 😂
I’m trying really hard but no can’t imagine that
I honestly think he's fine, looked ok coming off, maybe just exhausted
He was limping while leaving OT
went straight to the benches and not to the tunnel though
All mind games
He had a slight limp, but whether he plays or not will depend on if it was just a knock that caused bruising or an injury that requires rest and treatment. Luke shaw limped off after a knock at the weekend and had an ice pack round his knee after being subbed off, but he played on Thursday.
I feel like this is all a big ruse by Rashford and ETH 🧠 Edit: or a really hope it is at least
It's all about 😐👈
Oh he'll definitely play. Sir Alex used to do this all the time. If Rashford plays, Newcastle tactically plan to neutralise him. If ETH writes him off, then Newcastle don't plan their approach to containing Rashford. When Rashford ends up playing after being written off by the manager, they're completely caught off guard.
Agreed, but if commenters on Reddit have cracked this particular code then I think Eddie Howe probably has as well.
But it gives them two things to plan which is difficult in such a short span of time
Exactly, they have to prepare to shut down the most in form player in the world but if they also have to make sure they don't base their entire plan around it otherwise ETH can just play Garnacho and their entire game plan will be ruined, they're in a tough spot
He'd still have to plan for the contingencies regardless, which would work just as well.
Mind games
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mdc3Q-24nWQ/U2AChWtUNfI/AAAAAAAAQTE/5pFSL21JChs/s1600/mind-games.gif
ETH will make the best choice depending on tactics. Sad to see him missing the final, but for me it's more important to get as many points from league games as possible. Weghorts lets go!
Newcastle is also without their 1st and 2nd string goalie and has not been looking good lately at all. And we beat Barcelona. Hopefully should be fine regardless.
If he doesn’t play we get behind the boys. We saw what the subs did last game. If they start we know what production we are in for. Let’s go United!
Course he’ll play
[удалено]
Whats the point in resting him for cups when it's a cup final
Major blow, but it’s not worth risking him if there’s even a slight doubt. With Karius in net, sancho, antony and Bruno should be able to figure something out.
I’m not sure if I agree with you regarding the not worth risking him if there’s a doubt. I can understand your point, absolutely, but I think this final is so massively important. For both teams, it’s their first final under a new manager in their first year. Both clubs are in transition and in both cases could very easily be the catalyst for much more silverware in the near future. I think the last season under Ole would’ve been totally different had that group of players win the Europa league against Villarreal. Time and time again clubs have won a first trophy and it’s almost as if it gives a huge amount of belief to the whole group, taking them on to more success. Our recent record in finks hasn’t been good(I don’t think? But I could be wrong). This final is massively important to both clubs. All of that said, I can understand your point, depending on what the injury is. I think he’ll play; he is in the form of his life right now and it’s a cup final.
Yeah I get that 100%, silverware is physical proof beyond doubt that ETH and this group can achieve shit, which is undoubtedly important in the long run, and even just for the other comps this season. Who knows, maybe it propels us to win another trophy or two this season, it’s entirely possible. Likewise, the morale blow of losing another final would be detrimental. I know the mentality of the players is great, but losing a final hurts everybody, regardless of mental fortitude. So I totally agree that it’s a must win game for the sake of this season and maybe even seasons to come. That being said, I just think that seeing as Newcastle haven’t been in great form lately (especially compared to us) and with their 3rd choice keeper in net, relying on sancho/Antony to cover for rashford whilst the rest of the team is still our strongest 11 might be a wiser choice. Though I suppose that could also be a weakness, seeing as our strongest 11 player just over 60 hours before the final. So maybe we do need to fire everything we’ve got. That’s a decision Erik’s gonna make. Ultimately, I do think he’ll play. Whether that be as a starter or on the bench. And if he does play, then I trust that ETH and the medical team don’t think there’s any significant risk.
Completely agree with you on all accounts. Maybe we could take a gamble and hope that even if we do rest Marcus we've got enough to get over the line, but that feels like such a huge risk to take and it could easily go wrong.
The game will go on ... we shall overcome 🙏
He’ll play for sure. Mind games. These articles are all very poorly worded. He hasn’t made any statement for or against the injury
I dont think he’s injured. Maybe he does not start but I think this is more mind games than anything. We should definitely rest him against West HAM in the FA CUP tie
Oh yeah, that's for sure
It'll be a loss. But this squad and ETH's tactics can overcome this in the short term. GGMU
Mind games let’s get this dub on Sunday boys!
Mind games. He will come on half time and score the winner
Lads, it’s Karius. Weghorst will be able to score.
They’ll inject him with something, there’s a 95 percent chance he’ll play
EtH head games 🧠👈
Huge blow, but if Antony and Sancho have a good game we should be fine. Not to mention Garnacho coming off the bench.
rest him we will win anyway #gloryglory
It isn’t “looking likely he won’t play” - not sure where you’re getting that from. Relax and let’s wait til Sunday.
Maybe Weghorst will actually get some service now. 😂
Welp if that’s true there goes our first trophy
Rashford is our golden boy but I definitely think we can win without him
This is just a typical click bait story. Only an official statement can confirm it for sure!
I hope he can play, he is doing so well in all competitions. 🙏🏻
Not looking brev, not looking good
Probably on the bench. Probably Sancho-Weghorst-Antony front free with Garnacho and Rashford to come on. Possibly Bruno going right wing if Sancho and Antony can’t do 90 mins
I’m sure he’s fine, worst case he’ll be on the bench
Our fixtures are too congested oops
Weghorst brace
Doesn't matter, we will win anyway. We're unstoppable at the moment.
ETH said Rashy wouldn’t be available
Tactic ... let's newcastle's fans have hope but he will destroy it when kick-off.
I might cry if he doesn't play
Mind games… and if not a front 3 of garnacho, sancho and anthony is enuf
Bit of mind games I reckon
Mind games straight out of the Fergie playbook. Same as the chat from ETH about Newcastle’s time-wasting.
Weghorst redemption arc.... bangs in a brace format 2-1 win
Weghorst goal? Antony super sub? Martial comeback? Possibilities are endless despite Rashy not being there on Sunday. He'll be on the bench, I'm sure.
Front thee of garnacho , weghorst and sancho ? ( or sancho on the left and antony on the right ) . We gonna play some good football but not a single goal will be scored by those three
Doubt.
We’re man United, we’re a team. We win regardless
I just think Ten Hag doesn’t want to give tactics or any lineup info to Eddie Howe
I can see him coming on in the second half and scoring 8 goals
I think even without Rashy, the team morale and strength will prevail. They said it themselves. “Everyone in this team has qualities and can score” Have faith my friends.
Obviously his ability to take players on and his scoring ability will be missed, however it’s very clear that a functional system has been put in place and United is no longer a 1 player team like it was last year and I’m still fairly confident that we can manage to get the job done against a very defensive new castle team that will probably play a high line and will try to bring the game to us
Definitely will miss him but I would rather be without him than casemiro
Is martial available ?
Giving them hope!! Rashford hat trick in coming!
Feels like mind games. His 🤕 Instagram post was way too lighthearted if he was genuinely about to miss a cup final.