Manchester United suffer huge injury setback ahead of Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United

Marcus Rashford has been ruled out of Manchester United’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United due to injury.

United came from behind to defeat Barcelona 2-1 on Thursday night, earning a 4-3 aggregate victory and a place in the Europa League’s last 16.

Fred and Antony goals cancelled out Robert Lewandowski’s first-half penalty, and United created chances to extend their lead in a thrilling first half performance.

United’s attention now shifts to Sunday’s trip to Wembley. However, Rashford, who has scored more goals than any other player in Europe since the World Cup with 16, may now be ruled out due to injury.

The 25-year-old posted a photo of himself walking off the Old Trafford pitch after removing his left boot.

The incident could have happened during a second-half clash with Barcelona defender Ronald Arajo, who kept up with the forward and made a crucial challenge as United surged forward on the attack.

Rashford remained on the ground following the incident, with United taking the ball out of play so he could be treated.

After 88 minutes, he was replaced by Erik ten Hag, who was able to leave the pitch relatively comfortably.

Footage circulated of Rashford leaving Old Trafford later that night showed him walking with a slight limp.

Former United striker Dion Dublin, who was on MUTV as a pundit, suspected the United star had picked up an ankle injury but believes it can be managed before Sunday’s game against Newcastle.

‘He was just removing the weight from his left ankle. ‘Perhaps he’s rocked it a little bit,’ Dublin speculated.

‘Hopefully he’ll be able to strap it up on Sunday, and the medical staff will do what’s best.’

At Old Trafford, United endured a frustrating first half after Bruno Fernandes was penalised for a foul on Alejandro Balde, allowing Lewandowski to put the visitors ahead.

United responded with another spirited second-half performance, which ten Hag believes is the biggest victory since his arrival in Manchester. ‘ I believe so. We’ve had some good wins, like Liverpool and Arsenal at home, but I think this is the biggest.

‘Barcelona leads La Liga by eight points over Real Madrid.’