Manchester United are set to face Leeds as the club look to secure a Champions League place
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona
Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has impressed for Barcelona(Image: Alex Caparros - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
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Manchester United are gearing up for their Premier League return against arch-rivals Leeds United on Monday evening. The club's resurgence under manager Michael Carrick is also set to provide a welcome boost to their summer transfer ambitions.
United currently occupy third place in the table and appear well-positioned to secure a Champions League berth for next season. A return to Europe's premier club competition should help Carrick's side persuade their top targets that the club is firmly moving in the right direction.
While much of the attention over the coming months will be directed towards new arrivals, Carrick has been advised that a returning Marcus Rashford could significantly strengthen his squad. The England international is currently on loan at Barcelona, who hold a purchase option on the forward, though a permanent transfer has yet to be agreed.
Meanwhile, United have been linked with a potential swoop for young Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly. Here, MEN Sport rounds up some of the most significant stories surrounding the club.
Marcus Rashford verdict
United boss Carrick has been told how Rashford could bolster his squad, should a permanent switch to Barcelona fail to come to fruition. The 28-year-old has made no secret of his desire to remain with the Catalan club but Nicky Butt believes a return to Old Trafford for Rashford cannot be ruled out.
"If he comes back, that will be a little golden nugget for Michael Carrick. One thing about Michael, he'll know him as a person, he'll know he's got his heart in the right place," club legend Butt told Paddy Power.
"Off the left-hand side, when Rashford's playing to the top of his ability, he's really tough to handle.
"I still think he's a top player. Whether or not he comes back and blows the club away, who knows? But he's got the ability to do that."
Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been linked with Manchester United(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Man Utd learn transfer price
Manchester United have been made aware of Arsenal's position regarding promising left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season but has been restricted to just two league starts this term, fuelling speculation that he could depart the Emirates.
BBC Sport reports that Arsenal place a combined £100million valuation on Lewis-Skelly and fellow academy product Ethan Nwaneri. It is stated that the Gunners are open to selling the left-back, who has been vying with Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori for a starting berth, provided their valuation is met.
United have reportedly earmarked Lewis-Skelly as a potential long-term replacement for Luke Shaw. Despite his limited league appearances, the teenager has still managed 29 outings across all competitions this season.