The topic of how the Reds will fare without Rashford and whether Anthony Martial, who has recently returned from injury himself, is ready to start matches after three substitute appearances against Newcastle United, Brentford, and Everton quickly came up ahead of our Europa League quarterfinal.
"I think he is ready to start a game, yeah," said Ten Hag during his Wednesday press conference.
"I think already against Everton he was ready to start the game. But I have to say that the front line against Brentford and Everton worked really well. We were continually a threat and it was difficult for the opponent to defend."
"The advantage was also that we could bring Anthony Martial slowly back into the team, give him some minutes and get him used to games at the highest level, and highest intensity."
Anthony Martial has only made 17 appearances this season, nine of which have been as a substitute, but he has been involved in nine goals. One of these occurred only two minutes after he came off the bench to replace Bruno Fernandes in last October's 3-2 away win over Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, his sole Europa League appearance to date.
"You say I have defended him but I just point to the stats," said Ten Hag, when challenged by a reporter on his unwavering support of the 27 year old France international.
"The stats are telling you that the moment he is on the pitch, the time he needs for a goal is [short]."
"When he is in the team, I refer to games against Man City and Liverpool, we play our best football and we have the best results as a team. So yeah, if you can say I defended him, I am just pointing to the stats and I see how he contributes to this team."
Regarding Marcus Rashford's injury Erik Ten Hag stated that the 25 year old is optimistic following his groin injury from Saturday afternoon's win against Everton. He hopped off the pitch minutes after assisting Anthony Martial to score the Red Devils second goal of the day as they ran out 2-0 winners.
"Of course it is a setback and he is disappointed about it but he is not totally broken because he knows he will return quickly."
"He is optimistic and he has started straight on his recovery and his rehab. That helps him to get back soon."
"He is optimistic and he has started straight on his recovery and his rehab. That helps him to get back soon."
The official statement on Man United's website didn't specify how long the player will be out of action for Man United but he is certain to miss Thursday night clash with Sevilla in the Europa League quarter finals.
"It's a few games," replied Ten Hag, reiterating the information released by the club.
"I can't give more details because we have to see how the injury develops."
The official statement released by Manchester United reads
"Due to a muscular issue, Marcus Rashford won't be available for Thursday's UEFA Europa League quarterfinal match against Sevilla.
The attacker left the field in the 80th minute of Old Trafford's 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton and went straight to the locker room for medical attention.
A further evaluation of the injury indicated that Marcus will miss a few games, but he is anticipated to return for the remaining games of the season. The absence of the England international is disappointing given his scorching form this season, which includes 28 goals across all competitions.
However, the likelihood of his comeback for crucial games in the season's final weeks will also bring about some relief."
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