Marcus Rashford not with Man Utd squad at team hotel ahead of Liverpool clash

Marcus Rashford’s injury looks to have ruled him out of Man Utd’s showdown with rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

The United forward was a doubt for the clash after suffering a back injury in the FA Cup third round replay with Wolves in midweek.

And he wasn’t among the United squad which arrived at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester, where they will stay on Saturday night prior to the fixture at Anfield.

United prefer to stay away from Liverpool ahead of the game, and the players were seen entering the Lowry on Saturday evening, without Rashford in tow.

The news is a huge boost to Liverpool, with Rashford United’s in-form man, having scored 16 goals in his last 21 club appearances since netting against the Reds at Old Trafford in October.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had admitted during the week that he did not expect Rashford to play, although the striker was due to undergo late fitness tests on Friday.

“I’m not going to hold my breath,” Solskjaer said. “I probably think he wouldn’t be ready.

“We’re going to give him the absolute amount of time to find out.”

Rashford’s absence from the team hotel seems to have signalled his omission from the matchday squad.

Luke Shaw was spotted however arriving at the Lowry, suggesting he has shaken off the hamstring problem that threatened to keep him out of the tie.

His presence will be welcomed by Solskjaer, who lost Ashley Young’s services on Friday as he completed his transfer to Inter Milan.

Harry Maguire has since been appointed permanent captain following Young’s departure, and the defender will skipper his side against Liverpool in his first match after officially being handed the armband.

Speaking of his new role, Maguire said: “It’s a massive honour to be the captain of this prestigious club.

“It’s a great feeling for myself but the hard work continues and I’ll keep doing the best I can, on and off the pitch, to make this club successful.”