Manchester United have been in the headlines with former coach backing Marcus Rashford’s Old Trafford return whilst co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe apologised over controversial immigration comments
While their Premier League rivals gear up for FA Cup fourth round fixtures, Manchester United enjoy a weekend break to recharge.
United were knocked out by Brighton in the third round, leaving the league as their sole remaining priority this campaign. Michael Carrick’s side won’t be back in action until February 23, when they face Everton.
Interim boss Carrick chose not to strengthen his squad during January after succeeding Ruben Amorim. While Off the field, recent remarks from part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have sparked heated debate. Here are Daily Star Sport’s latest discussion points from around Old Trafford
Marcus Rashford tipped for comeback
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen reckons Marcus Rashford’s Old Trafford story isn’t finished. Rashford concluded last season on loan at Aston Villa and is currently on a season-long stint with Barcelona, reports the Mirror.
The Catalan club have an option to make the signing permanent for just over £26million in the summer. Nevertheless, Meulensteen hasn’t ruled out a potential return for the academy graduate now that Rashford’s former team-mate Carrick is managing the side.
“It could be a route back for Marcus Rashford at Man Utd, definitely,” the Dutchman told BetGoat. “I think Marcus is still as ‘red’ as anyone because he came through the ranks as a young kid, and that will never go away, that will never leave him.
“I think it was good for Marcus to have that spell away, first of all at Aston Villa, but now at Barcelona. It’s a different culture, a different language, and a different style. Every week is different.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe responds to backlash
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced criticism for remarks in which he suggested the UK was being ‘colonised’ by immigrants. Supporter group The 1958 were amongst those to condemn the co-owner, who has now released a further statement regarding his comments.
“I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth,” the billionaire expressed.
“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.
“My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”