Manchester United news round-up as the club continues to draw up plans for the future
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has been impressing at Barcelona(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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Manchester United won't be making any headlines on the pitch this weekend due to their early exit from the FA Cup. Following their third round defeat to Brighton, United do not return to action until the Premier League trip to Everton on February 23, when Michael Carrick will look to continue his unbeaten start as interim boss.
Before that match, Carrick is likely to have to field some uncomfortable questions about co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who claimed in an interview this week that the United Kingdom has been "colonised by immigrants".
The INEOS owner has since apologised for his choice of words, saying: "I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth."
Rashford return timeline
Marcus Rashford could be back in action in a matter of days after his Barcelona momentum was checked by injury.
The on-loan forward, who has been linked with a return to Old Trafford this summer, missed the Copa de Rey tie at Atletico Madrid as a precaution with a knee issue. Barcelona went on to lose 4-0 and will be hoping to bounce back when they return to league action at Girona on Monday.
Rashford has a chance of being involved in that match after undertaking some light gym work, with a view to returning to full training ahead of the game, as reported by SPORT.
His availability would be a big boost to head coach Hansi Flick, who has also been without Rashford's positional rival, Raphinha, because of injury.
As speculation over a potential return to United continues to swirl, Rashford is still believed to be favouring making his stay at Barca permanent. The Catalans have the option to buy the England star outright for £26million.
Marcus Rashford reacts to getting hit by the ball
Rashford's injury is not serious(Image: Getty Images)
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Scouting mission
While midfield is an obvious area of attention for United ahead of next season, the club are looking to strengthen in other areas, including defence.
According to Tuttosport in Italy, United officials have hatched a new transfer plan having travelled to watch highly rated Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu against Inter Milan at the San Siro on Saturday. Kalulu, 25, who can operate at centre-back and right-back, is said to have caught the eye of numerous Premier League clubs.
Pierre Kalulu
Pierre Kalulu has caught the eye on Premier League clubs(Image: Alberto Gandolfo/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
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Desperate to keep the Frenchman, Juve are reportedly ready to offer Kalulu a contract extension until 2030 and a big salary increase. However, if United, who could lose Harry Maguire this summer, come knocking with a big offer, the Old Lady could be tempted to cash in.
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