Manchester United are planning to sell Marcus Rashford and replace him with a new right-footed left winger.
The Englishman spent the previous campaign on loan at Barcelona. But despite scoring 14 goals and providing as many assists, the Catalan giants snubbed him in favour of his younger compatriot, Anthony Gordon.
The Blaugrana were happy to spend £70 million on the former Newcastle star, but opted against triggering their option to buy Rashford for £26 million.
Man Utd optimistic about selling Marcus Rashford
Following Barcelona’s rebuff, Rashford is now set to return to Carrington in the summer. However, most sources believe Man Utd will not reinstate their academy product into Michael Carrick’s squad, even though he’ll find a more welcoming atmosphere compared with Ruben Amorim’s reign.
According to Sky Sports, United are ‘confident’ about finding a new buyer willing to match Barcelona’s £26 million option, or even exceed it.
The 28-year-old’s sale would open up a place in the squad for a new left-winger. Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell have already put together a three-man shortlist.
Stats in 25/26 Appearances Goals Assists
Marcus Rashford 49 14 14
Yan Diomande 36 13 10
Iliman Ndiaye 34 6 3
Crysencio Summerville 34 7 4
As Sky reveals, MUFC remain keen on Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande, who had a marvellous first season at RB Leipzig.
Man Utd are also tracking Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, while West Ham United’s Crysencio Summerville emerged as the club’s latest target, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein breaking the news on Tuesday.
Who would be Man Utd’s best signing among Diomande, Ndiaye & Summerville?
Last summer, Man Utd’s strategy of focusing on Premier League-proven players paid dividends, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo proving to be successful purchases.
Nevertheless, Benjamin Sesko also proved his worth despite his lack of EPL experience, even if it took him more time to settle. Moreover, Senne Lammens was voted as the league’s most shrewd signing.
So while signing players familiar with the English top flight can be a plus, other factors might be more significant, including age, promise, and overall technical skills.
Therefore, 19-year-old Diomande would arguably be the pick of the bunch. On the other hand, Ndiaye and Summerville represent more affordable targets.
But if Man Utd don’t plan to spend circa €100 million on Diomande this summer, they can delay the chase to next year, while relying on Cunha and Patrick Dorgu as their left-wing options this season.
This would be a wiser solution than spending money on a profile they aren’t fully convinced of, given that Summerville and Ndiaye could cost £50 million or more.
Michel is a football journalist based in Beirut who has been passionately following Man United for over 20 years. He is a Law graduate and a member of the Beirut Bar Association. In addition to writing for Utd Report, he is also the Head Writer for The Laziali has been a Featured Writer on other websites including Juve FC, and The Cult of Calcio, and Stretty News.
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