Marcus Rashford scores twice on Man Utd return in behind-closed-doors game

Manchester United'sMarcus Rashford took another positive step in his recovery from shoulder surgery as he found the net twice during a behind closed doors friendly against Blackburn Rovers.

The 23-year-old started the game - his first contest of any kind since the European Championships with England, having been deemed fit enough to play after his recent return to full training.

The game against the Championship outfit took place at Old Trafford, with United running out 3-0 winners.

Rashford's inclusion from the first whistle enough to spark speculation he could be deemed fit enough to face Leicester City a week on Saturday - United's first fixture back after the international break.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have sorely missed Rashford while the forward has been side-lined, particularly in recent weeks given their dismal run of form has seen a return of just two wins from their last six.

Marcus Rashford was deemed fit enough to play in a behind closed doors friendly after his recent return to full training ( Image:

Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Whether United's next league contest comes too soon for Rashford remains to be seen, but Solskjaer has previously insisted the England international will not be rushed back into the thick of things.

Rashford enjoyed a stellar campaign last term, notching 21 goals and 15 assists in 57 appearances last season despite playing through the pain barrier on a number of occasions.

Should the trip to the King Power Stadium come too soon for him, there is every chance Rashford could make the trip to Italian outfit Atalanta for United's third game of their Champions League group stage campaign.

Speaking prior to last Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Everton, Solskjaer revealed: "I hope he will be involved against Leicester, He's been training and physically working really hard, joining in with the group as a floater so no tackles on him.

"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 are many, many reasons he could be involved against Leicester."

Rashford's return would be welcomed by everyone associated with the club given they need some kind of positive momentum to turn their form around.

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United have a particularly daunting set of fixtures coming up including clashes against Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea, rivals Man City and Arsenal all before December.

Solskjaer has come under fire for recent results and given the level of financial backing he was supplied in the summer, he will have to turn the tide quickly.

"Every game is a big game at Man United. It is a big month and the last month has been a big one with lots of changes happening at the club", the United boss explained.

"We have to be focused and make sure we use the international break well. Us as coaches and those players who are staying at home."