Manchester United are yet to strike a first-team deal in the January transfer window with less than two weeks until it closes
Marc Casado during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between Racing de Santander and FC Barcelona.
Manchester United have been linked with a transfer interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado. (Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)
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Manchester United are yet to change their first-team squad during the Januarytransfer window. Following expenditure exceeding £200million in the summer, there was speculation that United would enter the winter market to further bolster their squad.
Nevertheless, United have chosen not to make any additions at this stage, though almost two weeks remain for the Reds to alter that approach. Despite their lack of activity in the transfer market, the club continues to be linked with potential signings, with a central midfielder believed to top their priority list.
United could be busy with departures, as Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with an exit from Old Trafford following his omission from the matchday squad against Manchester City on Saturday. Marcus Rashford's long-term prospects remain a subject of ongoing speculation, as does Jadon Sancho's situation.
With this in mind, here is the latest United transfer news....
United 'keen on Casado'
United have shown interest in acquiring Marc Casado and have submitted an enquiry to determine whether the Barcelona midfielder is obtainable, according to reports in Spain.
The 22 year old Casado emerged from Barca's renowned La Masia academy to achieve his senior breakthrough in 2022 and has subsequently accumulated 60 appearances across all competitions for the Catalan club. Nevertheless, Casado has found regular playing time hard to come by at Barca, with only 10 La Liga starts this season.
Growing speculation suggests he might depart in search of more opportunities. Reports indicate that Casado had been hesitant to entertain departure offers from Barca, given that his 'lifelong dream' is to become a first-team regular at Camp Nou.
But Atletico Madrid have earmarked Casado as a possible successor to Conor Gallagher, who moved to Tottenham for £34million last week, whilst United are also said to be interested in securing his services. The 22-year-old is believed to be weighing up his options at Barca and could be receptive to leaving.
United are reported to have made an initial approach for Casado after 'closely monitoring' him for an extended period.
No route back for Rashford
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy reckons Marcus Rashford has zero prospect of returning to the United squad, irrespective of who succeeds interim head coach Michael Carrick in the summer.
Marcus Rashford prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona.
Marcus Rashford is currently on loan from Manchester United at Barcelona.(Image: Ion Alcoba Beitia, Getty Images)
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Rashford, 28, has spent this campaign on loan at Barcelona and has shone, netting eight goals and contributing 11 assists across 29 outings. Barcelona are set to trigger their option to make his stay permanent at the end of the season.
Some United supporters would welcome Rashford's return after his stint in Spain - but Murphy believes such a scenario is impossible.
When questioned about the current situation at United, Murphy told BOYLE Sports that Rashford should concentrate on pursuing a fresh opportunity elsewhere. He said: "I don't think Michael Carrick, or whoever gets the job, will be able to influence the club to change their approach on Marcus Rashford.
"I think he's had his chances and opportunities. Also, the fanbase has generally turned on him a little bit. I think he's too far gone. Even if he doesn't get the Barcelona move, a move somewhere else will benefit him.
"He looks like he's playing with freedom. I even saw him come off the bench against Real Madrid, and he looked so sharp, expressing himself and appearing like a different player.
"I think his days at United are over, regardless of who is in charge."