Marcus Rashford returns to full training as Anthony Martial gets another chance

Rashford is finally back in full training

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has provided a welcome boost after he returned to full training for the first time on Friday afternoon. It comes after earlier in the week, Rashford announced he would be meeting with the club's doctor to decide whether he would be able to make a return to the pitch ahead of building back up his fitness. The 23-year-old hasn't played a minute of football this season after undergoing surgery in August on a shoulder problem which had been troubling him for a large portion of last year and United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed Rashford was one step closer to returning to action.

"Marcus trained fully for the first time today with contact," said the Norwegian. "Today was the first day he could be tackled and that’s happened so let’s hope he gets his bearings, finds his movements. "There were a few tackles flying in on him but he seemed OK, which was nice to see."

Although Saturday's game with Everton will come too soon for Rashford, his return will only bolster United's already impressive forward line and with a tough run after the international break including the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. Solskjaer indicated that they are aiming to have Rashford ready for their first game after the international break, when they face Leicester City away from home. He said: "I hope he will be involved against Leicester. He’s been training and physically working really hard. There are many, many reasons he could be involved against Leicester." In other positive news, the United boss also confirmed that Luke Shaw would be available for selection against Everton this afternoon (Saturday) after he missed the win against Villarreal in mid-week. Sure enough, Shaw was named in a United XI that did not feature Paul Pogba or Cristiano Ronaldo: https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1444248292548767748 With Edinson Cavani featuring again, Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood in form and Rashford nearing a return, the start for Anthony Martial may be one of his final chances at the side. The French forward had a poor 2020/21 season and has not set the world alight so far this campaign. Whilst they returned to winning ways in European competition, the Red Devils will be looking to avoid back-to-back home defeats in the Premier League as they look to keep their name firmly in contention for the Premier League title. Related links: 

• Marcus Rashford gives fitness update as he views comeback
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells Van de Beek he has no time for sulking
• Cristiano Ronaldo heroics secure important Champions League victory for Man United

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