Manchester United news as the club continues to make plans for an expected summer recruitment drive
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has been impressing at Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United won't be making any headlines on the pitch this weekend following their early FA Cup exit.
United's next fixture is a Premier League away game at Everton on February 23, where Michael Carrick will aim to maintain his unbeaten record as interim manager. Ahead of that encounter, Carrick is expected to face some difficult questions regarding co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who stated in a recent interview that the United Kingdom has been "colonised by immigrants".
The INEOS owner has subsequently apologised for his wording, 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."
Away from Ratcliffe's controversial remarks, here's a round-up of United news from ...
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Rashford return timeline
Marcus Rashford could be back on the pitch within days after injury halted his Barcelona progress.
The loan star, who has been tipped for a potential Old Trafford return this summer, sat out the Copa del Rey clash at Atletico Madrid as a precautionary measure due to a knee problem. Barcelona subsequently suffered a 4-0 defeat and will be looking to recover when they face Girona in league action on Monday.
Marcus Rashford reacts to getting hit by the ball
Rashford's injury is not serious(Image: Getty Images)
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Rashford could feature in that fixture after completing some light gym sessions, with hopes of rejoining full training before the match, according to SPORT. His potential return would provide a significant boost to head coach Hansi Flick, who has also been without Rashford's positional rival, Raphinha, due to injury.
While rumours regarding a possible United comeback continue to circulate, Rashford is understood to prefer making his Barcelona spell permanent. The Catalan club hold an option to sign the England international outright for £26million.
Scouting mission
While midfield remains an obvious priority for United looking towards next season, the club are also seeking reinforcements in other positions, including at the back.
According to Tuttosport in Italy, United representatives have devised a fresh transfer strategy after travelling to observe highly rated Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu in Saturday's clash against Inter Milan at the San Siro.
Pierre Kalulu
Pierre Kalulu has caught the eye on Premier League clubs(Image: Alberto Gandolfo/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
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The 25-year-old, who is capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, is reported to have attracted interest from several Premier League sides.
Keen to retain the French player, it's reported that Juve are prepared to extend Kalulu's contract until 2030 and significantly boost his salary. However, should United - who may part ways with Harry Maguire this summer - present a substantial offer, the Italian giants might be persuaded to sell.