Manchester United are preparing for a frantic end to the January transfer window. The Red Devils don’t often work on so many deals during the winter market, but this year is different.
The Red Devils are set to be one of England’s busiest clubs before the February 3rd deadline.
In terms of outgoings, Alejandro Garnacho has agreed personal terms with Napoli and is also on Chelsea’s radar.
Tyrell Malacia is also expected to leave on loan if Ruben Amorim can sign a new left-sided wing-back; Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu the player of choice.
It is the future of Marcus Rashford that is most speculated though.
Details of Barcelona’s transfer talks for Marcus Rashford revealed
United’s owners made Rashford available for transfer and aren’t fussed about whether he leaves permanently or on loan.
Despite this, though, interest in United’s number 10 has yet to materialise. Several clubs have enquired about the 27-year-old, but none have made United an offer.
Rashford’s preference is to join Barcelona, but despite his representatives holding talks with the Catalan giants, the winger is unlikely to get his wish.
Explaining what was said to the forward’s agents during these meetings, Guillem Balague revealed how Barcelona admitted they won’t sign Rashford because they’re unable to make room in their squad for him.
Listen to what Balague had to say about the complex situation — the clip has been time-stamped at the right moment.
To summarise, Eric Garcia was offered to Girona but Michel’s side cannot afford him so the deal has collapsed. Elsewhere, despite being out of Hansi Flick’s plans and told he can go, Ansu Fati has chosen to stay at the Nou Camp.
These elements make for a difficult situation for any club and agency to find a workaround for.
Destined to stay at Man United
Rashford’s unwillingness to move to Serie A or the Bundesliga makes his options even more limited than what his £375,000-a-week (Capology) salary is.
Barcelona’s decision to abandon their pursuit appears to give the clearest indication yet that Rashford will remain a Manchester United first-team player beyond the January transfer window.
Although West Ham are considering making a late approach for Rashford, the likeliest outcome now is for the Englishman to continue at Old Trafford before restarting his search for a new club in the summer.
Should this turn out to be the case, the spotlight will be on Amorim and how he manages Rashford. It remains unclear if the United manager is open to reintroducing him into his plans.
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