Marcus Rashford enjoys a midweek night out in Belfast… before missing Man United training having postponed his flight home when he was taken ill

Marcus Rashford missed training on Friday morning after an illness forced him to postpone his flight back to Manchester, having enjoyed a midweek night out in Belfast. 

The Red Devils travel to south Wales this weekend to take on League Two side Newport County in the fourth round of the FA Cup, hoping to avoid an embarrassing defeat. 

Erik ten Hag‘s side prepared for the fixture that could prove tricky – in the uncomfortable surroundings of Rodney Parade – without one of their stars, who is in danger of missing the clash. 

The United boss, who can not afford a shock cup exit, revealed that the England international’s absence was down to illness during his press conference ahead of the tie. 

‘It’s a strong side, and we still have some injuries, like [Victor] Lindelof and [Tyrell] Malacia,’ Ten Hag told club media. ‘This morning, Rashford was ill, and Evans was ill. 

Marcus Rashford missed training on Friday morning after postponing his flight back to Manchester due to illness

‘So we have to see how they recover, but we have, for the rest, players returning, like Martinez, like Shaw, like Maguire, like Casemiro, which is a good thing.’

Footage on social media showed Rashford entering a Belfast nightclub on Thursday night. 

Sources close to Rashford say he was out for dinner on Wednesday night and had to postpone his flight home after being taken ill. 

Rashford was also seen visiting the training ground of NIFL Premiership side Larne on Thursday, where his former and former United teammate Roshaun Williams now plays. 

On the pitch, the 26-year-old has endured a frustrating campaign, netting just four times in all competitions, compared to his 30-goal mark last term. 

Erik ten Hag revealed that Marcus Rashford could be in danger of missing their FA Cup clash on Sunday due to illness 

United reached the final of the FA Cup last season before losing to rivals Man City as they went to match the Old Trafford club’s historic treble feat. 

After finishing bottom of their Champions League group and getting eliminated from the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup provides the only genuine opportunity to claim silverware this season.  

Mail Sport have reached out to Manchester United and Marcus Rashford’s representatives for comment.