Erik ten Hag has called for greater protection for players, after Marcus Rashford was forced off injured during Manchester United's 2-0 win over Everton.
United's top scorer – who has bagged 28 goals in all competitions this season – hobbled off the pitch late in the second half, 10 minutes after setting up Anthony Martial's victory-sealing goal at Old Trafford.
Speaking to BT Sport after the game, Ten Hag took aim at the hectic fixture calendar he feels is putting too much strain on top-level players. The Dutchman said:
"We have to wait; [Rashford] doesn't look well. Once again, that is due to the schedule. It can't be that you play three games in six days; we have to protect our players."
This Saturday lunchtime kick-off came less than 72 hours after United's last game: Wednesday's 1-0 home triumph against Brentford.
Ten Hag's side are in action twice in the space of four days again next week – they host Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday night, before travelling to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Beating Everton cemented United's place in the top four of the Premier League: with nine matches to go, they sit three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham – who they face later this month – having played a game less.
