MARCUS RASHFORD has been hailed by Manchester United fans for ‘powering through like a champ’ after an eye-watering incident at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old started the Carabao Cup clash against Leicester to mark the first game of the post Erik ten Hag era.

Marcus Rashford was left holding his groin after a stray boot

The Dutchman was sacked on Monday with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy taking interim charge.

But Rashford endured his own pain on the pitch after being caught by an opponent’s boot in the groin.

The England man crumpled to the turf, and eventually after rising to his feet, held the sore area with his hand.

But he was soon back running for his new gaffer – which led to United fans hailing his resilience.

One United fan wrote on X: “Holding on and powering through like a champ!”

Another added: “We’ve all been there”, while some posted amusing yet wincing GIFs of people being kicked in the groin area.

And one decided to point out the obvious, writing: “Must be hurt.”

That moment in the 48th minute proved to be the last bit of action on a pulsating first half of football with Van Nistelrooy at the helm

Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes’ goals, along with an improbable brace from the much-maligned Casemiro, gave United a 4-2 lead at halftime.

However, Leicester kept things intriguing by scoring via Coady and El Khannouss.

Rashford only lasted until the 62nd minute when he was replaced by Amad Diallo.

And he was given a standing ovation by the fans as he made his exit.

But by that time United had banged another past the helpless Leicester keeper, through Fernandes again, to make it 5-2.