Sources: Marcus Rashford approach “expected” from Al Ittihad with Manchester United’s view explained

Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad are “expected” to make a play for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford this summer, UtdDistrict understands.

Marcus Rashford‘s most recent campaign with Manchester United did not go as many had hoped. The winger scored eight goals and registered five assists under Erik ten Hag during the Dutch manager’s second campaign in charge.

This was a far cry from the 30-goal season during 2022/23, when the 26-year-old became the first United player to achieve such a feat in a decade, winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Season award in the process.

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With INEOS looking to make major changes this summer, many transfers out of Old Trafford are expected, with Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood top of the list. Previous reports have claimed that all serious offers for players apart from Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Ramsus Højlund will be considered.

With this in mind, UtdDistrict understands that Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad hold a significant interest in Rashford this summer, having recruited the likes of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante in previous windows.

Sources with intimate knowledge of the situation have explained that although negotiations are yet to take place, the Middle Eastern outfit are “expected” to make an approach for the English winger soon. They see him as an ideal player to play alongside their other stars, such as Benzema and Kante.

Marcus Rashford is one of their “main targets”, but they have identified Atalanta and Nigeria winger Ademola Lookman as a backup option should they fail to procure Rashford. Lookman recently made headlines after scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen during the 2024 Europa League final.

With respect to Manchester United’s view of Rashford, all indications are that both he and the club would like to continue. Reports from the last few days have suggested that Rashford and Ten Hag will hold talks ahead of next season’s preparations, with United players who have not been granted holiday due to international competitions expected back at Carrington on Monday, 8 July.

These talks will reportedly centre around Rashford’s role for the upcoming campaign and how the player and coaching staff can focus on ensuring Rashford’s very best comes back out at Manchester United.

Previous indications have claimed that United would need a figure north of £70 million to even consider Rashford’s sale this summer.

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