Manchester United have enjoyed a break thanks to their early FA Cup exit as Michael Carrick's side look to bounce back from a loss to Newcastle
Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground
Michael Carrick's Manchester United side didn't have a game at the weekend(Image: Getty)
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Michael Carrick and Manchester United are experiencing an extended break following their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle. United were absent from FA Cup action over the weekend after being knocked out in January by Brighton.
Manager Carrick endured his first loss in the Old Trafford dugout last week when his team travelled to St. James' Park. A late William Osula strike made it 2-1 and clinched all three points for the hosts.
Up next for Carrick's side is a fixture against fellow top-four contenders Aston Villa, where Marcus Rashford spent half of last season on loan. The England international is currently excelling for Barcelona.
A £26million purchase option in the 28-year-old's agreement is anticipated to be activated by the Catalan side and a list of potential replacements United could target has emerged. The Manchester Evening News provides you with the latest developments from Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford replacements 'shortlisted'
Having moved to Spain last summer on an initial loan arrangement, Rashford has made an impression. He has netted 10 goals and provided 13 assists for Barcelona across all competitions so far this season.
Rashford has flourished under Hansi Flick and the anticipation is that Barcelona will exercise the option to sign him on a permanent basis, whether that be the £26m reported clause or a reduced negotiated figure. Should Rashford depart, then United would probably seek to acquire a replacement. According to reports, there are five names on their shortlist.
Iliman Ndiaye of Everton celebrates 1st goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Ndiaye is reportedly on the club's radar(Image: Getty)
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United are believed to have RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and Como 1907's Jesus Rodriguez on their radar, whilst Strasbourg winger Martial Godo is also being assessed.
Furthermore, United are said to be tracking Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, who offers direct running ability and top-flight experience. Meanwhile, reports suggest Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola is emerging as a prime target.
Casemiro U-turn appeal
One United player who appears almost certain to be departing at the season's end is Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder's contract expires in the summer and the club have already announced they won't be extending it.
Yet in recent months, the 34-year-old has been producing performances of exceptional quality, prompting United legend Bryan Robson to urge Carrick to reverse the decision to allow his exit.
Casemiro of Manchester United applauds the fans as he celebrates victory during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur
Casemiro will leave United in the summer(Image: Getty)
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Robson told BoyleSports: "I would encourage Casemiro to stay. He's had a really good season this year. He's a top player. He's got a great football brain. He's a really good passer of the ball.
"He heads the ball well and when he goes in to tackle, he means it. You don't stay at Real Madrid for the amount of years he did and win Champions League titles if you're not an absolute top player.
"People see what you're really good at. So I think next season he could definitely give us a little bit more with his experience. He was great in Europe last year too."