Manchester United and Marcus Rashford look set to rekindle this summer, and now another domino has fallen, pushing this closer to reality.
Since Barcelona refused to pay their Marcus Rashford buy option, the Manchester United academy graduate has looked likely to end up wearing red again next season.
Recently, reports have suggested United are open to taking Rashford back for pre-season and beyond.
Despite the tide turning in favour of a return to United, Rashford is still wanted across Europe, and he could yet be sold this summer. But now another domino has been knocked down to strengthen the chances of Rashford staying.
Manchester United reject chance to sign Rafael Leao
United want to sign a left-winger this summer to contend with Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu, but Rashford is potentially the best option available to Michael Carrick.
Rashford was stellar for Barcelona, and United would struggle to sign a player with better output and qualities, with one option being considered, Rafael Leao now falling away.
This is according to the printed version of La Gazzetta dello Sport, which claims that Leao has been turned down by United.
Intermediaries approached United and other Premier League sides to try and sell him, but there was no interest.
United probably see Leao as a similar player to Rashford, with similar risks, meaning Rashford would be chosen over the Portuguese winger.
The report adds that Ruben Amorim wouldn’t be upset if Leao was sold this summer.
With Leao snubbed, it is one option off the table for United and a vote in favour of retaining Rashford instead.
Manchester United won’t be able to sign a left-winger this summer
There was a lot of talk about United spending £250m this summer, and if that is true, then Ineos could be in trouble to tick every box needed.
Three midfielders, a left-back and a left-winger were all rumoured, but the midfield transfer market is so expensive that United might have to spend close to the entire budget on the midfield.
£100m for Sandro Tonali and £85m for Mateus Fernandes likely makes it tricky for United to think about getting Alex Scott for less than £75m, and this, combined with another midfield addition, would mean close to the £200m mark on the midfield.
This makes it really hard to justify £50m on a winger when Rashford is right there, ready and waiting to prove his doubters in Manchester and in Barcelona wrong.
United have also missed out on Yan Diomande this summer, while Crysencio Summerville appears to be the only realistic signing that could arrive, but likely only if Rashford is sold.
Whatever happens, United need to get a move on this summer.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/71leWIL