Manchester United's possible Marcus Rashford risk could backfire vs Sevilla

Erik ten Hag has a big decision to make as he prepares his side for their decisive Europa League second leg against Sevilla this evening.

If not for a calamitous collapse a week ago, United could already have one foot in the final four. Instead, they start from scratch, and must go again to prove they are worthy of a semi-final place.

There is less margin for error tonight given that there is no second opportunity to put things right. That makes Ten Hag's team selection that bit harder to decide.

Read next: United name 21-man squad for Sevilla second leg

United have been boosted by the returns of Marcus Rashford, Marcel Sabitzer, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia ahead of the match, and they are all in contention to play. “They are available because they came on the plane,” Ten Hag said in his press conference on Wednesday. He will make a final decision on their involvement today.

The most important of those is the return of Rashford to the 21-man squad. The England international took part in his first team session on Wednesday morning but had been training individually prior to that, as he looks to make a swift return to action.

United's temptation is obvious. Rashford has been one of the best forwards in the world this season and has often been the difference-maker for his side with match-winning moments.

No player has scored more match-winning goals in the Premier League this season than Rashford (10), with three of his last four goals deciding matches in the league.

There is a clear argument that he should be thrown back in from the start to give his side the best chance of progressing to the next round, though the counter-argument is that it is an unnecessary risk to take.

United have actually coped rather well since