Man Utd information: Michael Carrick in switch battle with City as he is handed Marcus Rashford replace
Marcus Rashford’s future remains uncertain as Barcelona are yet to activate his £26m buy option, with the La Liga champions reportedly pushing for a cut-price £13m deal instead
Michael Carrick has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new permanent manager
Manchester United have been informed of Barcelona’s strategy concerning Marcus Rashford following his impressive campaign in Spain.
The England international is presently scheduled for a return to Old Trafford with the La Liga champions yet to activate the £26million buy option in his deal. The 28-year-old will be concentrating on the World Cup but will undoubtedly be seeking clarity over his future after spending the past 18 months away on loan.
Michael Carrick has relished a promising beginning at United and will be hoping to maintain the winning mentality he’s revived with a successful transfer window. With merely seven weeks left until United’s opening pre-season friendly, preparations are very much already in motion for the Englishman to secure the acquisitions he believes can transform United into genuine title challengers.
Barcelona’s strategy for Rashford
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Marcus Rashford’s destiny remains uncertain and there’s only one route he could rejoin Barcelona, according to Mail Sport. They report that the La Liga champions are targeting a deal to sign the United star for £13million – half of his £26m buy option.
The Red Devils have thus far demonstrated reluctance to accept anything below the agreed sum with the report stating that should United demand payment of the complete fee, Rashford will not return to Spain next season, reports the Mirror.
Barca reportedly have until 15 June to activate the purchase option, as per Sky Sports, but they’ve already secured a left-winger in Anthony Gordon in a £69.3m deal with Newcastle. Even before the 25-year-old’s arrival, Rashford suggested that prolonging his stay in Spain wasn’t a foregone conclusion.
After clinching the league title, Rashford remarked: “This is the perfect way I want it to end. I’m very happy, I just want to enjoy today. I live in the moment. At the end of the season we will see.
“I came here to win and we do this so I’m very happy. It’s an incredible feeling. Over the season we deserved it, we were the best team. We had some bad moments but we always come back and fight to improve.”
United’s transfer tussle with Man City
United are bracing themselves for a return to the Champions League next season and are poised to lock horns with local rivals Manchester City for the signature of Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Michael Carrick’s main focus this summer will be to bolster United’s midfield quality, but boosting the attack could also be on the cards with his side set to compete on four fronts.
The 21-year-old forward, who primarily plays on the left but can also function centrally, has caught the eye with the French outfit, netting eight goals in 29 league matches, and will be representing Belgium at the World Cup next month.
The Italian publication reports that both United and City are admirers of the Belgian and will encounter competition from Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Como.
Clubs may seek to secure Fernandez-Pardo swiftly in case his valuation rockets should he excel in North America this summer.
