Man Utd are ‘ready to sell’ Marcus Rashford.
Manchester United are prepared to sell Marcus Rashford this summer and could slash their asking price from £80million to £60m if there is interest, according to reports. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s scramble to raise transfer funds could involve offloading Rashford, who was said to be barely on speaking terms with Erik ten Hag at the end of last season.
Ten Hag’s Old Trafford stay has reportedly increased the possibility of the 26-year-old walking away from his boyhood club in the coming weeks.
Express Sport picks out four players who United could name their new No. 10 next season if Rashford leaves the club.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee currently looks like United’s most likely attacking signing, with the club reportedly ready to trigger his £34m release clause after Euro 2024.
Zirkzee – or whichever player arrives at Old Trafford as Anthony Martial’s replacement – will most likely inherit the Frenchman’s No. 9 shirt.
But if Rashford’s No. 10 is available, the opportunity will arise to follow in the footsteps of some of United’s biggest names.
And Rasmus Hojlund, United’s first-choice striker last season, could be eyeing the No. 9 shirt for himself.
Man Utd want to sign Joshua Zirkzee.
Ivan Toney
While Zirkzee is the overwhelming favourite to replace Martial, Ivan Toney is still expected to leave Brentford and would be an appealing option at the right price.
The 28-year-old’s age and Premier League experience make him an ideal recruit to provide Hojlund with support and competition.
His future is expected to be resolved after his involvement with England and Euro 2024, where he has made one appearance so far.
And Toney could pick up the No. 10 shirt if Rashford is no longer at the club, with his current No. 17 worn by Alejandro Garnacho.
Alejandro Garnacho
Speaking of… Garnacho has just enjoyed the best season of his short career so far, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists in 50 appearances.
The 20-year-old winger currently dons the No. 17 after switching from the No. 49 last summer but could be fancying a shirt that represents his important status in Ten Hag’s plans.
Hojlund’s potential move to the No. 9 shirt would free up the No. 11, which would suit Garnacho nicely after establishing himself as the first-choice right winger at Old Trafford.
But Rashford’s No. 10 would also be an attractive prospect, given he would likely act as his fellow academy graduate’s replacement on the left.
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo, like Garnacho, cemented his position as a regular starter under Ten Hag last term and will be at the core of INEOS’ rebuild.
The 19-year-old has worn the No. 73 and No. 37 for United, and the No. 10 could be better suited on the back of a more attacking player.
But Mainoo is no stranger to the number, wearing it for United’s U18 and U21 sides, as well as England’s U19s.
Unless he decides the No. 37 has sentimental value, Mainoo will be expected to undergo a shirt number upgrade regardless.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1918999/Man-Utd-transfer-news-INEOS-Marcus-Rashford