Rúben Amorim may reinstate Marcus Rashford to Manchester United’s squad vs Rangers (Europa League)

Rúben Amorim may have little choice but to reinstate Marcus Rashford to the Manchester United matchday squad when they face Rangers in the Europa League.

Manchester United are gearing up to host Rangers at Old Trafford on Thursday evening as they return to Europa League action.

The start of 2025 has been a mixed journey for Rúben Amorim’s side. A gritty draw against Liverpool was followed by an impressive victory over Arsenal, which seemed to signal a positive run of form.

However, an unconvincing win against Southampton – despite a hat-trick from the brilliant Amad – raised concerns, and a 3-1 loss to Brighton further dampened the mood.

The match against Rangers presents United with an opportunity to bounce back and rebuild trust with their fans. Entering as clear favourites, they’ll be looking to deliver a strong performance on home soil.

Currently seventh in the Europa League standings – within the automatic qualification spots for the knockout stages – a win would consolidate their place in the top eight and help restore confidence ahead of the challenges to come.

Amorim forced into Rashford squad decision

Amorim may have to reinstate Marcus Rashford in his squad against Rangers as a lack of other options leaves the 39-year-old with little choice.

Barring Rashford, United may only have 20 first-team members available for the clash on Sunday, but Amorim has up to 23 spaces he can fill in his matchday squad.

With four players unavailable for Amorim due to injury and Antony also unlikely to be involved with his loan move to Real Betis on the verge of completion, Amorim will have to fill his squad with the remaining players he has at his disposal.

He has been keen to add 16-year-old Godwill Kukonki to his squad whenever space suits, and he said Rashford to the squad that faced Newcastle in December when no other options are available, and with Antony unlikely to be part of the team, Rashford is the natural reserve attacking replacement.

As for the third remaining spot, third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton may appear on the bench. Reports of late have suggested that United’s dressing room has been turbulent, so an experienced head like Heaton’s may be a calming presence at United.

Youth summer signing Hubert Graczyk has also been within United’s squads that have travelled to Old Trafford against Brighton and Southampton after impressing Amorim and may be named on the bench as a 23rd option to make up the numbers and gain further first-team experience.

Beyond this, there were no new issues for players following the Brighton loss, so the rest of the squad that faced the seagulls is expected to remain the same.

United predicted squad vs Rangers

Goalkeepers: André Onana, Altay Bayındır, Tom Heaton, Hubert Graczyk.
Defenders: Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martínez, Godwill Kukonki.
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes.
Forwards: Amad, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford.

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