Marcus Rashford has previously worked under Michael Carrick (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United’s summer is set to shift into a higher gear as the club prepares to finalise its first deal of the off-season. Yet there will be no breathing space as a raft of further transfers loom on the horizon. There is a palpable sense of urgency around Old Trafford as Michael Carrick looks to persuade Bruno Fernandes to sign a new contract at United.
The club has reportedly made moves to prove its credentials as a title challenger, and a burst of transfer activity could be just what is needed. One notable question mark amid the transfer activity surrounds Marcus Rashford, whose future could be resolved following scheduled talks this week.
Express Sport examines all of that and more as the latest developments from around Old Trafford come to the fore.
Rashford talks set for this week
In what appears to be a seemingly endless series of updates concerning Rashford, United are also bracing themselves for discussions over the forward’s future. The Daily Mail claim that a meeting has been pencilled in this week between the England winger and United, with the aim of bringing some much-needed clarity regarding his next move.
All parties appear well acquainted with the current state of affairs. Both Rashford and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick are keen for him to remain at the Camp Nou following a fruitful loan spell, during which he scored 14 goals and registered 14 assists for the club.
It has also long been established that Barcelona will need to stump up a £26million fee to sign the England forward permanently. Earlier in the year, it was reported that the Catalans attempted to negotiate that figure downwards, though United have shown no willingness to do so.
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It was also recently reported that Barcelona would prefer to pursue a second season-long loan before committing to a permanent transfer next summer. However, United also have no desire to loan the player out again and are pushing for an outright sale should Rashford depart.
The 28-year-old was once a cherished figure at Old Trafford before falling out of favour under the management of Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. Carrick is understood to be open to the player returning to the fold, though Rashford’s preferred outcome is to secure a long-term deal at Camp Nou.
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham is a target for Manchester United. (Image: Getty Images)
Six more transfers planned
Rashford’s sale is reportedly just one of seven transfers United have lined up as part of a sweeping overhaul this summer. Another is the acquisition of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is believed to be on the brink of completing a deal worth approximately £40m.
The i Paper reported United have drawn up a shortlist of midfield targets they are keen to pursue this summer. That would see any two of Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Baleba or Sandro Tonali put pen to paper, alongside Ederson, who has reportedly already agreed personal terms.
Carrick’s side appear to have little confidence in bringing in the likes of Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton despite speculation in recent months. Instead, someone such as Fernandes would be far more attainable after West Ham’s relegation, while Tonali may well be within reach as Newcastle desperately search for funds following their failure to secure European football.
Baleba was linked with United last summer before the club baulked at Brighton’s reported £100m valuation of the player. It is understood that figure has dropped considerably since then, though it remains to be seen whether United retain the same level of interest following a stop-start campaign on the south coast.
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As for which players could be offloaded to finance those acquisitions, The i Paper named Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana as three individuals who could generate substantial funds. That is on top of the sale of Rashford, whether it is Barcelona or another suitor who ultimately takes the plunge.
Reports suggest United are prepared to part ways with Ugarte before his value drops any further, having failed considerably to justify his £50m transfer fee. Zirkzee was reportedly considering his future earlier this year when Roma expressed interest, although he has since pledged his commitment to the project at Old Trafford.
Casemiro’s departure alone will free up approximately £16m annually as United seeks to replace his midfield contributions. And it may require more than a single midfield acquisition to adequately fill the gap he is set to leave this summer.
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