Man United notched another massive win in their season with the win over Barcelona on Thursday night, booking their place in the last 16 of the Europa League.
However, the joyous scenes following yet another trademark comeback may have been somewhat short-lived as fans’ thoughts now turn to the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday and, to make things even more nerve-racking, one of their key men could now be a doubt.
With his substitution coming less than two minutes before the end of the full 90, Marcus Rashford was hooked off the pitch and although it may have just been a precaution — neither ten Hag, his teammates, nor United fans wanting to risk him missing the final — a social media post suggests otherwise.
Sharing the image on his Instagram story, Rashford was pictured walking down the touchline towards the tunnel with one of his boots off along with the injured emoji.
It’s unclear how Rashford’s injury occurred or how serious it us
Fans will obviously be hoping it isn’t anything serious and that the in-form forward just picked up a slight knock, but it was hard to see if the prospective injury was the result of a challenge from the opposition.
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After the game had finished and the majority of supporters had left, the 25-year-old was also filmed exiting Old Trafford and though only slightly, he appeared to be limping.
It could simply be some shrewd, almost Fergie-esque bit sandbagging and mind games ahead of Sunday, but you’ll have to decide for yourselves.
Currently on track for his best-ever statistical season with 24 goals and nine assists in all competitions, not to mention visibly happier and more confident on the pitch, he’s been an integral part of their much improved Premier League campaign this year.
More importantly, he also loves a big game, scoring in numerous big cup ties during his time at United and having been of the key players that got them to their last EFL Cup final back in 2017 — one of the last trophies they won. Safe to say, a Rashford injury would be a huge blow for the Reds and a big boost for the Magpies.
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For now, you can watch the full highlights of Man United vs Barcelona down below:
Featured Image — Marcus Rashford (via Instagram)/Manchester United (via Twitter)
Sport
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
24th February 2023 
