Man Utd news: Five Rashford replacements on shortlist after U-turn plea

Michael Carrick and Manchester United are benefiting from an extended break following their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle. The Red Devils were absent from FA Cup duties this weekend after their January elimination by Brighton. Interim boss Carrick experienced his first loss in charge last week during the visit to St. James' Park. A late William Osula strike sealed a 2-1 victory and delivered maximum points for the Magpies.

Carrick's side face Aston Villa next, a fellow top-four contender and the club where Marcus Rashford spent half of last season on loan. The England international is currently excelling at Barcelona. The Catalan outfit are expected to activate a £26million purchase clause for the 28-year-old, prompting speculation about potential replacements United might pursue. Here, Express Sport provides you with the latest developments from Old Trafford...

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Marcus Rashford replacement targets identified

Since his loan switch to Spain last summer, Rashford has excelled. The forward has contributed 10 goals and 13 assists for Barcelona across all competitions this season.

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Rashford has flourished under Hansi Flick's guidance, with widespread belief that Barcelona will exercise their permanent option, whether at the reported £26m figure or a reduced negotiated fee.

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Should Rashford depart permanently, United would likely seek a replacement. Various reports suggest five names feature on their shortlist.

United are believed to have RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and Como's Jesus Rodriguez amongst their targets, whilst Strasbourg winger Martial Godo is also being assessed.

They are also understood to be tracking Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, who offers Premier League experience. Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola remains a primary target.

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Casemiro U-turn plea

One United player who appears almost certain to depart at the end of the current season is Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder's deal expires in the summer and the club have already announced they won't be extending it.

Yet, in recent months, the 34-year-old has been performing at an exceptionally high standard, and United legend Bryan Robson has urged Carrick to reverse the decision to allow his exit.

Robson told BoyleSports: "I would encourage Casemiro to stay. He's had a really good season this year. He's a top player. He's got a great football brain. He's a really good passer of the ball.

"He heads the ball well and when he goes in to tackle, he means it. You don't stay at Real Madrid for the amount of years he did and win Champions League titles if you're not an absolute top player.

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"People see what you're really good at. So I think next season he could definitely give us a little bit more with his experience. He was great in Europe last year too."

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