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Manchester United 'draw up three-man shortlist of Marcus Rashford replacements'

Man Utd 'draw up three-man shortlist of Rashford replacements'
© Reuters
Manchester United allegedly draw up a list of three potential replacements for Marcus Rashford ahead of the summer transfer window.

Manchester United have reportedly identified three potential replacements for Marcus Rashford.

In sharp contrast to the best individual campaign of his career during 2022-23, the England international has failed to make a sustained impact this season.

Just eight goals and five assists have come from 40 appearances in all competitions, with a large chunk of his outings coming from either flank.

Last week, head coach Erik ten Hag publicly supported the long-serving attacker, saying that he deserves the support of the fans in a bid to get him back to his best form.

However, a report emerged on Monday which claimed the new Red Devils transfer hierarchy are open minded to offers for the majority of the first-team squad.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford reacts after sustaining an injury on March 3, 2024© Reuters

Is Rashford facing a potential exit?

Whether Rashford could leave Old Trafford remains to be seen. The report in questions suggests it would take a substantial offer for United to consider a sale, while any interested clubs would need to be prepared to meet his wage demands.

That said, United recognise that cashing in on a homegrown player would significantly bolster their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules at a time when they will miss out on Champions League football.

According to Fichajes, United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe - also in control of footballing operations - has identified three possible alternatives to Rashford ahead of the summer.

Such are the level of the trio in question and United's current PSR position that it would take the sale of Rashford or another top star to facilitate their arrival.

Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates scoring their first goal on April 10, 2024© Reuters

Which three players are allegedly on the shortlist?

The report suggests that United are taking an interest in Raphinha's situation at Barcelona, the Brazilian having impressed this season with eight goals and 11 assists from his 32 outings in La Liga and the Champions League.

Nevertheless, it has been constantly reported that the the 27-year-old could be sold to boost Barcelona's own financial issues, and it is suggested that he is available for €60m (£51.2m).

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is also reportedly on United's radar, despite the Portuguese having recently penned a long-term contract and being valued at €150m (£128.03m).

With Leao having 11 goals and 11 assists from his 41 appearances in Serie A and Europe, United could plausibly look to lower those demands.

Napoli value Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the region of €80m (£68.3m), yet it remains to be seen whether they will be able to retain that stance if they miss out on continental football.

Kvaratskhelia has 10 goals and six assists to his name in the Italian top flight this campaign, yet Napoli only sit in ninth position in the standings.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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