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Manchester United’s heavy spending last summer saw the hierarchy splash upwards of £200m on new additions to help improve their chances of success in the Premier League.
The Red Devils directed the majority of their efforts into the final third of the pitch, as Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo arrived at Old Trafford.
The aforementioned trio enjoyed superb debut campaigns in Manchester, subsequently netting 32 goals in England’s top-flight between them - helping the club secure Champions League football.
Benjamin Sesko for Manchester United
However, they may face added competition for places within Michael Carrick’s side, with one player set to return to Old Trafford after spending 2025/26 out on loan.
How Rashford compared to United's attackers in 2025/26
Ruben Amorim’s tenure as United boss was full of mistakes and questionable decisions - with the call to send Marcus Rashford out on loan to Barcelona just one example of his failures.
The Englishman was a key part of the senior ranks before the former Sporting CP manager’s arrival, but for whatever reason, he did not see the 28-year-old as part of his plans.
marcus rashford
His temporary spell in Spain last term injected needed confidence into the forward, which resulted in Rashford registering 25 combined goals and assists across all competitions.
No player in the Red Devils’ senior ranks could match such a tally last term, with the Englishman subsequently representing his nation at the recent World Cup.
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Most combined LaLiga G+As for Barcelona (2025/26)
Player
Lamine Yamal
Ferran Torres
Raphinha
Robert Lewandowski
Marcus Rashford
Fermin Lopez
Dani Olmo
Pedri
His all-round threat was evident in LaLiga throughout 2025/26, as he registered 1.5 shots on target per 90 - more than any United forward and placing him above 95% of other attackers in Europe.
Rashford also created an impressive tally of 2.4 chances created per 90 in Spain’s top-flight, with only Bruno Fernandes managing more within Carrick’s squad last campaign.
Given his displays for the Spanish giants, there’s hope that the 28-year-old can be given a clean start under the new boss to help the club achieve their goal of pushing for a Premier League title.
How United could land a star who'd prevent Rashford's return
Despite Rashford’s pending return to United this summer, the hierarchy have started work on a number of deals within the attacking third of the pitch.
Rashford-England-Kane
Mika Godts is just one player who has appeared on their radar of late, but the Red Devils face huge competition from French giants PSG for his signature this window.
However, other options are being considered, with Eintracht Frankfurt winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya emerging as a key option for Carrick’s side over recent days.
It’s been reported by OnTheMinute.com that the Red Devils are eyeing a move for the 21-year-old, who has also caught the eye of Newcastle United in recent months.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts after the match
No fee has been mentioned for his signature at present, but the report states United are currently keeping tabs ahead of the possibility of the youngster becoming available.
The Frenchman may be unknown to many supporters, but he’s gained attention in the Bundesliga for his lightning speed and attacking quality.
Despite his tender age, analyst Spencer Mossman has already heaped huge praise on the forward, claiming that his performances remind him of a “younger Bukayo Saka.”
Such praise is undoubtedly huge given the Arsenal star’s quality over recent seasons, which has seen him net 60 goals in the Premier League throughout his professional career.
Bahoya’s stats from last season showcase his quality within forward areas, which could see Rashford struggle to feature in the senior ranks should the Frankfurt star arrive in the weeks ahead.
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In his 15 starts in the Bundesliga last term, the youngster managed to register seven combined goals and assists - subsequently providing a goal contribution every 189 minutes.
He also created an impressive tally of 2.5 chances created per 90 in Germany’s top-division, subsequently placing him above 86% of other forwards in the league.
The French gem managed to catch the eye with his direct dribbling ability, which saw him complete 2.8 successful efforts per 90 - subsequently achieving a 59% success rate in the process.
Both numbers were higher than those achieved by Rashford in LaLiga, whilst also placing him above 85% of other attackers across Europe’s top-five leagues.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Bahoya would cost this summer, it’s clear he’s a talented youngster who has huge potential to explode in the years ahead.
Bahoya
United’s interest could see the 21-year-old move to the Premier League in the near future, with the hierarchy undoubtedly hoping he can reach the next level in his development.
However, such a move would be a bitter blow for current Red Devils star Rashford, who could be pushed closer to the exit door to accommodate the French star.
Andrey Santos
Andrey Santos