Marcus Rashford has given Manchester United a glimpse into their biggest challenge in season run-in

21.03.2023 - 15:31 manchestereveningnews.co.uk

For Manchester United the magic number between now and the end of this draining season is 65. That is the number of games this team will play if they go on to reach the final of the FA Cup and the Europa League.

It is an astonishing number, one made all the more exhausting by the presence of that winter World Cup in Qatar. This has been a season like no other and for nobody is that more true than this United squad.

For 12 weeks since Christmas, Erik ten Hag's team played twice a week. If they go all the way in both remaining cup competitions then they will play midweek fixtures for 21 successive weeks either side of the March internationals. READ MORE: Ten Hag must solve £73million attacking puzzle It is the price you pay for being involved in such a thrilling campaign.

United have already won the Carabao Cup this season and they have a realistic chance in the FA Cup and Europa League as well.

Sevilla Run Run-in Marcus Rashford Manchester Qatar

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Manchester United registered a commanding 2-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday but the result was overshadowed by an injury to star forward Marcus Rashford.

Manchester United could play their first-choice front three for only the fourth time vs Everton

Does Martial start?

Rashford, Garnacho, Casemiro - Manchester United have nine unsellable players in summer transfer window

Regardless of Manchester United's drop-off in recent weeks, this season has been one of great promise. A first trophy since 2017 — with two more within reach — and a top-four finish still very much in their hands are testament to the work Erik ten Hag and his players have carried out over the last year.

Marcus Rashford is close to doing something no Manchester United player has done for a decade

Marcus Rashford notched his 28th goal of the season in all competitions on Wednesday night, scoring the winner in Manchester United's narrow 1-0 reverse of Brentford at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford Fires Manchester United Into Top Four, Newcastle Hit West Ham For Five

Marcus Rashford sent Manchester United back into the Premier League top four with the winner as the Red Devils beat Brentford 1-0 on Wednesday, while Newcastle won 5-1 at West Ham to stay third. Callum Wilson and Joelinton each scored twice for the Magpies, who remain above United on goal difference. Both sides now have a three-point lead over Tottenham and a game in hand on Spurs in the race for a place in next season's Champions League. United had slipped to fifth after a run of three league games without a win and cup commitments that meant they had not registered a Premier League win since mid-February.