Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has suffered a ‘hugely frustrating’ setback after picking up an injury, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 24-year-old had started the season in impressive fashion under the tutelage of new manager Erik ten Hag but missed their previous encounter with a fitness complaint.

What is the latest news involving Rashford?

Rashford has started all six of United’s opening Premier League games of 2022/23 yet was forced to watch on from the sidelines when they took on FC Sheriff in the Europa League.

“He’s not available, a consequence after Arsenal. He has a muscle injury,” revealed Ten Hag. “I don’t think too long, but I don’t know. It’s not really bad, we expect him quite soon to be back in the team.”

Yet despite the Dutch tactician’s positivity, Rashford was an enforced absence of Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad for the current international break.

And the versatile attacker’s injury issues could have further consequences for him as The Sun claim that the United hierarchy are planning to discuss a new contract with him following his upturn in form.

Rashford has entered the final year of his existing £200,000-per-week deal, but the club have the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

What has Jones said about Rashford?

Last season was one of the toughest of Rashford’s senior career as he fell down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick due to a severe drop in his performance levels.

And Jones has informed GiveMeSport that the academy graduate is ‘working really hard’ to cement his status as a key figure at his boyhood club.

He said: “Rashford’s status at Manchester United means a lot to him, and a blip right now would be hugely frustrating for him. He's working really hard to secure his future as an important player for the club.”

How well has Rashford been playing?

Rashford has been fielded upfront for United in their previous four top-flight fixtures, playing a pivotal part in his side picking up 12 points from a possible 12.

The 5 foot 11 ace has registered three goals and two assists in that time, keeping five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench.

Maintaining these levels over a prolonged period will surely be the next aim for Rashford once he regains his fitness, proving to Ten Hag that he can lead the line at Old Trafford for many years to come.