A sensational return for Marcus Rashford could be on the cards as Manchester United are also targeting another La Liga star.
With Manchester United’s derby day victory still fresh in the minds of fans and pundits alike, the focus for Michael Carrick’s side must now switch to Sunday’s clash with top-of-the-league Arsenal.
Even though the Red Devils go into the game as underdogs, a win would not only keep United firmly in the race for Champions League football but also cause a stir for Arsenal’s title hopes.
Away from the pitch, the recruitment team will be trying to act on January deals, while also drawing up plans for the summer window for incoming and outgoing transfers.
The future of Marcus Rashford will be a huge point of contention, with the winger having a great season after leaving England to join Barcelona on loan.
Rashford could return
Rashford has thrived in Catalonia with the Englishman recording 20 goal contributions in 29 games in all competitions, as well as being Barcelona’s second highest assister with 11, just behind Lamine Yamal on 12.
It has been widely reported that there is a £26 million buy option should Barcelona want to keep Rashford permanently. Many reports also suggest that while the Catalan side wants to keep the player, they may try to negotiate a different package, as their own financial situation is proving to be a challenge.
However, a sensational report by Steve Kay at FootballTransfers has given prominence to another outcome to this situation. He has reported that United representatives have flown to Barcelona with Rashford as the topic of conversation.
While it was unclear the nature of the conversations, there were conversations about a potential return to Old Trafford for Rashford at the end of the season.
According to Kay in the same report, United have been tracking Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal, who has a £65 million release clause. Well-placed sources have suggested there is a “serious interest” in the Euro winner.
Both seem unlikely
With Carrick at the helm, it seems a pathway for a Rashford return is straightforward. Not only did he play some of his best football while Carrick was a coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, but also, with Rúben Amorim no longer at the club, he would be playing in his more suited left forward position.
However, a return may still seem unlikely. Not only does it seem that Rashford himself is much happier in Spain, but there also appeared to be friction between the England international and the INEOS board, which could rule out a return.
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As for Oyarzabal, the player profile does make sense. Not only is he capable of playing multiple positions, whether that is on the wings, up front and even as an attacking midfielder, but he brings huge experience.
However, the main sticking point that may rule out a deal is the age-profile. INEOS want to target younger players under the age of 26. Spending £65 million on a player turning 29 may not make too much sense for them when that money could go towards a player like Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.
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