Rashford, 28, missed last weekend's 4-0 La Liga victory against Bilbao due to illness. However, the forward recovered in time and earned a place in the squad for today's match at Stamford Bridge, London.

Rashford's most impressive statistics in England show a strong connection to Chelsea. In 21 encounters with "the Blues" – comprising 20 matches with Man Utd and one with Aston Villa last season – he scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists. Chelsea is the opponent against whom Rashford contributed to the most goals in his career in England, matching Newcastle (7 goals, 4 assists).

Marcus Rashford scores a free-kick from over 30 meters in Man Utd's 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the League Cup 4th round of the 2019-2020 season. Photo: Reuters

One of Rashford's most memorable performances against Chelsea occurred at Stamford Bridge in the League Cup Round of 16 in 10/2019. The English forward scored two goals, securing a 2-1 victory for Man Utd. This included a spectacular free-kick from 30 meters that found the top corner, one of his five career free-kick goals. Rashford also made his mark in his most recent encounter with Chelsea in the Premier League last season. On 21/2, he provided two assists, helping Aston Villa defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Villa Park.

The match at Stamford Bridge marks Rashford's second return to England in a Barcelona shirt. In the Champions League opening match on 18/9, he scored two goals, including a stunning long-range strike, helping Barcelona win 2-1 at Newcastle.

Rashford, a product of the Man Utd academy, had an impressive start at Old Trafford. However, disagreements with coach Ruben Amorim led to his loan move to Barcelona during the summer 2025 transfer window. Since then, the England international has rediscovered his joy for playing, contributing 6 goals and 9 assists in 16 matches across all competitions. This strong form earned the 28-year-old forward a call-up from coach Thomas Tuchel to the England squad for the 2026 World Cup preparations.

Hong Duy (via Mundo Deportivo)