Concerns rise at Old Trafford after the influential forward’s sudden withdrawal during a dramatic draw at Everton, as Michael Carrick reveals the tactical decision was a necessary injury precaution.
Manchester United's third Premier League game of the season saw them face a tough test away against David Moyes' Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Michael Carrick named the same XI that beat Ipswich Town 5-2, with Bruno Fernandes rattling the bar early on.
United created several chances but couldn't find a breakthrough, while Everton threatened at times. Just 53 seconds after half-time, Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring with a brilliant run and finish.
Everton responded late on, with Tyrique George firing a thunderous strike past Senne Lammens to level the game. However, Luke Shaw's excellent cross found Benjamin Šeško just minutes later to restore United's lead.
United looked set to claim all three points, but Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck a stunning equaliser right at the death to rescue a point for the hosts, with the game finishing 2-2.
Carrick explains Rashford substitution
Marcus Rashford was United's best performer against Everton, causing endless havoc down the Toffees' right flank.
He combined brilliantly with Shaw throughout his minutes in Liverpool, but was suddenly taken off after around 70 minutes and replaced by Patrick Dorgu, much to the bemusement of many.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Carrick was asked why the England international was taken off, to which he replied that it was a precautionary measure after Rashford felt a slight problem.
The United boss explained that the decision was simply because Rashford was "feeling a bit of something," with updates expected in due course.
Rashford quickly proving himself
When it became abundantly clear that Rashford was to be reintegrated at United following his 18 months away on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona, questions were raised as to if he still had enough quality to compete in the Premier League.
With United looking settled with Matheus Cunha on the left, Šeško up front, and Mbeumo on the right, there looked to be little space for the winger in the front line. However, with Šeško only returning from injury, he's found his space on the left flank.
"He's been doing well since his return," Carrick said on Rashford following the draw. "He's sharp. He was dangerous today."
Rashford is very quickly proving himself to be a class option for United on the left-hand side, and with plenty of fixtures to come in Europe, the Premier League, as well as the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, he will be needed plenty of times by Carrick.
