Man Utd news: Rashford twist as manager sends message to board and Mbeumo concerns grow

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has flourished during his time at Barcelona

Manchester United will already be formulating their plans for the upcoming transfer window as the Premier League season unfolds. Michael Carrick may be focused on his side’s huge game against Aston Villa on Sunday but the recruitment team will be plotting moves ahead of the summer.

Marcus Rashford ’s future has consistently been a topic of discussion following his successful loan spell at Barcelona. The England international has scored 10 goals and registered 13 assists for his parent club, with the Spanish giants having the option to make his move permanent for £26million.

The 28-year-old has also made it clear that he wishes to remain at the Camp Nou but completing a move to Barcelona is reportedly complicated. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over Bryan Mbeumo’s dip in form.

The United forward quickly impressed after arriving from Brentford but has struggled in recent games. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at some of the headlines surrounding the club.

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Marcus Rashford twist

United and Barcelona are claimed to have held several meetings over Rashford’s future as the latter look to renegotiate the agreed £26m fee. Barcelona’s financial constraints have been well-documented, even if Rashford is now worth more since his return to form.

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Talksport has reported that club-to-club discussions have stalled, with United refusing to lower their price or restructure the deal. Despite the stalemate, manager Hansi Flick has informed the Barcelona hierarchy that retaining Rashford is among his top priorities.

The same report lists Chelsea ’s Pedro Neto and Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli as possible alternative targets should the club fail to finalise a move for Rashford. However, Flick has seemingly made his thoughts clear as the transfer window approaches.

Bryan Mbeumo concerns

Mbeumo is United’s current top scorer with 10 goals in all competitions but his recent displays have been scrutinised. The 26-year-old last scored against Tottenham Hotspur on February 7.

The former Brentford star has scored three times and provided two assists during Carrick’s eight-game reign but his disappointing performances against Crystal Palace and Newcastle have led to criticism. The Sun reports that the drop-off could be linked to fitness issues as the two games were only a few days apart.

Given United’s early cup exits have afforded the team a lighter fixture schedule than their rivals, Mbeumo’s struggles could become a greater cause for concern next season, when the team will likely be competing in Europe. Meanwhile, Mbeumo will be focused on ending his four-game goal drought this weekend.

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