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Ruben Amorim | Getty Images
Manchester United have a significant couple of months ahead of them on the recruitment front
Manchester United massively underperformed last season and finished down in 15th place. They also lost in the Europa League final to fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao. Ruben Amorim’s side must do better in the next campaign.
They have the chance to freshen up their ranks with some reinforcements over the next couple of months. The Red Devils are lacking quality and could do with bringing in new faces. They also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door to free up some funds.
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford wants Barcelona move
United have a dilemma to solve with Marcus Rashford this summer. He has fallen out of favour under Amorim and most signs point towards a permanent departure. The winger was given the green light to join Aston Villa on loan back in January to get some game time under his belt.
Rashford, 27, needs to leave for the sake of his career and would benefit greatly from a change of scene. The England international, who has made 62 caps for his country to date, is under contract at Old Trafford until June 2028 but it would be a massive surprise if he saw that out. He played 17 matches for Villa altogether under the guidance of Unai Emery and he scored four goals, two of which came in the league.
The Mancunian has been on the books of United for his whole career to date. The Wythenshawe-born man rose up through their academy and was a regular at various different youth levels before breaking into the first-team. He has made 426 appearances in all competitions and has found the net on 148 occasions.
In this latest update regarding his situation, The Guardian have reported that he is keen on a move to Barcelona. He is said to be interested in the prospect of playing with Lamine Yamal. Joining the La Liga giants would be an exciting transfer for Rashford and would allow him to experience life in a new country and a different league.
Going over to Spain would also get him out of the spotlight in England. His temporary stay at Aston Villa put him in the shop window and let him build his confidence back up. It seems unlikely that he will go back there though, which will open the door for Barca and other teams to swoop in.
Manchester United should try and get Andreas Christensen in return
United need to get Rashford off their books and an exit would suit all parties involved. He can play for a different team and prove a point, whilst the Red Devils would have more money freed up to pave the way for acquisitions. In an attempt to tempt Barcelona into a deal, they should try and get Andreas Christensen back in return as part of a swap arrangement, plus cash if needed.
It is yet to be known whether he will stay put with Barca or move on for a fresh start. He has been a useful player for them over the last three years. However, his minutes may start to dry up now.
Christensen, 29, was brought in by Chelsea as a youngster in 2012 from Brondby. He then broke into the first-team picture after a few seasons. The Denmark international went on to play 161 games in all competitions during his 10 years in London and scored two goals from the back.
He was also loaned out to Borussia Monchengladbach back in 2015 for two years to boost his development. Barcelona came calling for him in 2022 and he left on a permanent basis. He has since won the league title twice with his current club, as well as the Copa Del Rey.
United need to tighten things up at the back and Christensen would bolster their defensive department. He is a cool customer who has played at the top level for a while now. The fact he has been at both Chelsea and Barcelona suggests he can handle the pressure of playing for teams who are expected to win every week and win trophies too.
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