New developments surrounding Marcus Rashford's Barcelona transfer could change Manchester United's plans this summer, while Benjamin Sesko's name is in the headlines
Marcus Rashford in Barcelona training gear
Barcelona have reportedly requested a lower fee if they're to sign Manchester United star Marcus Rashford permanently(Image: Thomas Eisenhuth - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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A disappointing draw at West Ham has reminded Manchester United of the realities of playing in the Premier League. However, the mood in the camp remains bright despite the club failing to win under Michael Carrick for the first time.
The Red Devils remain undefeated in five games under the interim manager. That's after Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to convert a calculated equaliser at the London Stadium on Tuesday.
United remain fourth in the league after fifth-place Chelsea also gave up two valuable points in a 2-2 draw at home to Leeds. However, Carrick's men channelled the never-say-die attitude of their forebears to earn a result and keep alive the longest active undefeated streak in England's top flight.
The race for a top-four finish won't resume until Monday when Carrick takes his team to Everton. There's plenty to discuss before then, however, as Mirror Football rounds up the latest goings-on at Old Trafford.
Barca request lower Rashford fee
United have received unfortunate news as talk turns toward Marcus Rashford's future and whether Barcelona will buy the player outright. The update being that Barca would consider purchasing the player, but only if his fee is reduced.
To many, the £26million clause included in the Englishman's deal was already enough of a bargain. Rashford may be 28 years old, but his return of 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 games for them is evidence enough that he justifies the figure.
United fans will be pleased to see Sport report a deal "won't be possible" on those terms. As such, it may be that United have to return to the drawing board this summer and hope to find more suitors if Rashford is indeed intent on leaving.
Alternatively, speculation is growing that there could be a future for the forward at Old Trafford after all. Interim boss Carrick has made it clear he wants Rashford back at his parent club, and their past connection could prove crucial.
A recent complication to proceedings is Rashford's knee injury, which rules him out of action for the foreseeable future. The Englishman will be in a race to return to full fitness before the summer to ensure he'll make the United shop window.
Carrick singles out Sesko
Following on from his heroics at the London Stadium in midweek, Sesko has earned a fresh wave of praise from his superiors. Carrick entrusted the summer signing with getting something out of the game after a Tomas Soucek goal put West Ham ahead, and Sesko duly delivered with a deft volley at the near post.
Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick celebrates with Benjamin Sesko
Michael Carrick was delighted with Benjamin Sesko's contribution against West Ham(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images)
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Despite a sluggish start to his United career, Sesko now has five goals in his last six outings for United. They've been largely crucial ones, too, scoring in the 3-2 win over Fulham, as well as bagging a brace in the 2-2 disappointment against Burnley.
The manager made clear how impressed he was with the whole squad's efforts despite dropping two points in east London. And Sesko was one of the substitutes he singled out for praise following his equaliser.
"Leny [Yoro]’s come on and made a big difference for us tonight in big moments, and then Ben scored again," he said after the game. "Ben’s doing a lot work. He's in a good place, he's ready to kick on, it's just managing the balance.
"We could have changed things a little bit earlier. That's obviously the decision we're always trying to make and we were actually having a bit of a spell in the game at that point where we thought we might come back into it, but when Ben came on the pitch he made a big difference."
Sesko reciprocates that faith from his manager with no small amount of self-belief. Speaking after the game, the Slovenian said he and his team-mates are "living for each other" in their battle to tie down a top-four finish and qualify for next term's Champions League.
"We are living for each other," he told MUTV. "We are doing everything to win the games, to secure the Champions League spot because we believe that we have the team for it.
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"We have the quality, and yeah, we're going to fight towards it. Unfortunately, the game was like it was. We have to now look forward to the next game and try to win it."
He went on to say it's "a great feeling" knowing he's able to help the team in clutch moments. And fans will be looking forward to witnessing more examples of what he produced at the London Stadium.