Marcus Rashford facing uncertain future? Man United 'set sights' on 21-year-old replacement

Manchester United have reportedly identified a 21-year-old attacker as a possible replacement for Marcus Rashford.

A recent poll carried out by Sports Mole revealed that more than half of Red Devils supporters think that Rashford should leave the club this summer.

The 26-year-old endured a frustrating 2023-24 campaign and only notched up eight goals and five assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Rashford lost his regular starting place during the second half of the season, with Alejandro Garnacho preferred on numerous occasions to start on the left flank.

The England international has since been left out of Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for Euro 2024 and it remains to be seen what the future holds for the attacker, who still has three years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford.

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Man Utd identify Simons as Rashford replacement

According to L'Equipe, Man United are ready to reignite their interest in Paris Saint-Germain attacker Xavi Simons this summer.

The report adds that the Red Devils have contacted PSG to discuss the availability of the 21-year-old, who is also wanted by Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

It is understood that Man United are prioritising the addition of a new centre-forward following the departure Anthony Martial, but recruiting a new wide player is also said to be high on the agenda.

Simons's club future remains uncertain having returned to PSG following an impressive season-long loan spell at Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig in 2023-24.

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Simons a star in demand

After beginning his career in Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, Simons made his professional debut for PSG in 2021 and made 11 first-team appearances before joining PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2022.

Simons contributed with 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances during a productive spell in the Netherlands, which prompted PSG to trigger the £5.1m buy-back clause in his contract last summer.

The versatile attacker, who can operate on either flank or in central attacking positions, was immediately loaned out to Leipzig, though, where he became a star player in 2023-24, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists in 43 matches across all competitions.

Simons is now away on international duty with the Netherlands at Euro 2024 and speculation about his club future is rife, as it remains unknown as to whether PSG boss Luis Enrique will look to integrate the highly-rated youngster into his first-team plans for next season.

Written by
Oliver Thomas