Manchester United boosted by Marcus Rashford return for Sevilla clash

At the end of the arrivals hall at San Pablo airport, the sliding doors are emblazoned with the image of Jesús Navas holding the Europa League trophy, another reminder that when it comes to this competition there’s something about Sevilla. That’s the bad news; the good news is that strolling through them on Wednesday evening were Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Marcel Sabitzer and Tyrell Malacia, all returning from injury. “They are available because they came on the plane,” Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag said.

The return of Rashford is particularly significant, although Ten Hag said the England forward had completed only one session with his teammates before Thursday’s second leg of the Europa League quarter-final, with the score poised at 2-2. “We will train and I will take a final decision tomorrow,” Ten Hag said. United’s top scorer on 28 goals, including six in this competition, among them the only goal when they were last in this city against Real Betis, Rashford may have to start on the bench, leaving Anthony Martial to lead the line in the stadium where he played six months on loan.

Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane are all out, but Christian Eriksen is available and fully fit after starting at the weekend, the Denmark international describing the chance to compete in games like this as a dream.

“Looking back a year ago I was dreaming about being where I am today,” said the midfielder who suffered a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020 and is now back after an ankle injury that kept him out of action for more than two months. “It was a dream to play football [at all]: step by step, be the best version you can be. I was lucky to get the chance to come a year ago and I am enjoying it even more now.