A top-five finish can put Manchester United in a strong position as they look for new additions to their squad over the summer
Marcus Rashford celebrates a goal for Barcelona
Marcus Rashford is closing in on a permanent Barcelona move(Image: AP)
View 3 Images
With just six matches to play this season, Manchester United have their fate in their own hands when it comes to Champions League qualification. We now know five Premier League teams will get into the competition - and it could even be more.
A strong finish would allow United to offer extra incentives to whichever player they bring in to replace Marcus Rashford. England forward Rashford is still expected to join Barcelona permanently after a season-long loan, having scored his 12th goal for the Catalan club over the weekend.
There will also be changes in the middle of the park, with Casemiro leaving when his contract expires and Manuel Ugarte potentially also making way. United could well move for a marquee signing in the area, with England midfielders Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton among those on their radar.
For now, though, we're focusing on the attacking spots as United prepare to add reinforcements. Here are our latest lines from around Old Trafford.
Capello raises Leao doubts
Former England manager Fabio Capello has spoken up about Rafael Leao when discussing the Portugal international's current side, AC Milan. Leao has been linked with United and some of their Premier League rivals in the past as a wide forward option but floundered in a central attacking role as Milan lost to Udinese over the weekend.
"I’ve said it many times: I’m not convinced he is a centre-forward," Capello told La Gazetta dello Sport (as translated by Sempre Milan). "But beyond his role, it seems to me that he just doesn’t have the ability to play like he once did.
Rafael Leao during Milan vs Udinese
Rafael Leao and Milan struggled against Udinese over the weekend(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"When he was moved to left wing in the second half, his favourite position, he almost never went one-on-one. He was the symbol of a Milan team that was lacking in pace."
Everton get Ndiaye advice
Iliman Ndiaye is another name mentioned in connection with an Old Trafford switch. The Senegal international has impressed at Everton and former Toffees star Gareth Barry has offered the club some advice when it comes to keeping hold of him.
"He's really, really exciting to watch, so I completely understand the interest he's going to get," Barry told Goal. "But, I think Everton need to keep him happy, need to keep him at the club, because those players don't come along too often. Everton, where they are at the minute, they're going to struggle to attract that type of player.
"It's a big time for Everton to look at him and keep him happy, try and keep him on the books, and try and improve. Everton with [David] Moyes, try and see if they can kick on again next year. It's been a great season so far this year going into their new stadium. Keep players like that and they need to kick on again."
New target emerges
Oh Hyeon-gyu during Besiktas vs Antalyaspor
Oh Hyeon-gyu has made a fast start for Besiktas(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Besiktas striker Oh Hyeon-gyu has emerged as a target for Manchester United, according to reports in Turkey. However, Premier League rivals Tottenham could yet throw a spanner in the works.
Oh, 25, has scored six goals in just nine league games since joining the Istanbul side from Genk in the winter. Two of those goals came over the weekend in a 4-2 victory over Antalyaspor which left Besiktas fourth and in pole position for Conference League qualification.
The latest reports indicate there has been no contact between the clubs yet, but suggests former Spurs forward Son Heung-min could influence his South Korea team-mate's next move. Oh scored four times for his country in World Cup qualifying as they topped their group and will now take on Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic over the summer.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.