Man Utd have been hit with a hard blow as Marcus Rashford is confirmed to be out of their game against Crystal Palace on Monday while captain Bruno Fernandes' involvement hangs in the balance.

Rashford was seen withdrawing due to injury during United's FA Cup win over Coventry at Wembley almost two weeks ago and remains sidelined, while Fernandes was also hurt during Saturday's 1-1 clash with Burnley at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag, United's manager, has flagged the playmaker - who has remained unscathed throughout the season - as doubtful for the upcoming match, stating: "After the game against Burnley, we had an issue with Bruno. He is a doubt for Monday, but we all know Bruno - never rule him out for any game."

Ten Hag added: "He will do his best to be available. Jonny Evans returned today for team training. Tomorrow we are off and then two days until the game."

Regarding Rashford, Ten Hag stated that specifics were elusive and confessed: "With Marcus, I can't tell [when he will be back]. It was last week, after Coventry, and his issue hasn't healed so far. Anthony Martial was partly in team training. Jonny Evans returned to team training today."

The inability to secure a Champions League position for the forthcoming season looms over United with Ten Hag admitting: "Always a lot of work, it sounds a little bit like, but it's normal. But the injuries had a big impact," reports the Mirror.

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Erik ten Hag has acknowledged that United are still falling short of expectations and emphasised the need for further squad development, stating: "We know also we are still below the levels of expectation Manchester United has, so we have to catch up and I'm now going into my fifth window."

He reflected on his transfer windows at the club, saying: "Two windows we did quite okay, two we missed [did no proper business], so we have to make new improvements to the squad. But there is a base of this squad that is very good."

When questioned about the importance of securing a top-six finish to ensure Europa League qualification, Ten Hag responded: "Of course it's important, but we still have two opportunities. One in the league and one in the FA Cup final."

He also commented on the financial implications of not securing a Champions League spot: "Definitely it will have an impact on the budget [not finishing in the top four] but I'm sure Manchester United is still a very attractive team to play for. Many players will be very happy to play for Manchester United, I'm sure."

Addressing rumours of a major squad overhaul and the potential sale of numerous players, Ten Hag dismissed such claims as exaggerated. "It's a joke. As long as I've worked, every summer, every window, 200 players are getting interest from Manchester United - we did some research," he said.

Ten Hag added with a hint of sarcasm regarding the constant speculation surrounding player transfers: "Also, every summer, we sell all of the players in our squad."