Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday 3-2 on aggregate, with Marcus Rashford feeling the sting of European football away from Manchester United

Raphinha has claimed that Barcelona were “robbed” as his club were knocked out of the Champions League – a match that Marcus Rashford was widely expected to start in but was given just 20 minutes. The Catalan giants faced Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday evening in a second leg quarter-final clash.

Hansi Flick’s side understood the monumental task at hand. given they headed into the 8pm kick-off with a 2-0 deficit to overcome thanks to Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth raining on their parade last week at the Camp Nou.

However, Barca were ultimately unable to conquer their La Liga rivals on the road, leaving the Spanish capital 2-1 up on the night – but 3-2 down on aggregate. Lamine Yamal took very little time to offer his team a glimmer of hope by netting withing four minutes, before Ferran Torres diminished Atleti’s 2-0 aggregate lead completely 20 minutes later.

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It took Ademola Lookman a matter of moments to ensure that Atletico ultimately advanced to the semi-finals of Europe’s premier footballing competition, however, with a goalless second half seeing Barcelona sent packing.

However, Raphinha had some strong words for referee Clément Turpin in the aftermath. He told TNT Sports Brasil: “For me, we were robbed.

“I don’t want to talk about the refereeing, but we played extremely well, they committed I don’t know how many fouls, and the referee didn’t even pull out a single yellow card against them. The refereeing was very bad in all the decisions he made.

“What I really want to understand is, by what criteria is Barca being refereed? I’d really like to understand the secret behind this fear that haunts these people at the thought of Barca winning.

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“Yes, we’re all human and we can make a mistake in a match, that’s something I can understand, but for it to happen in two consecutive matches? That’s not normal. I think the result of this double confrontation isn’t fair.”

Elsewhere, Manchester United loanee Rashford suffered a double heartbreak in the fixture. Not only were Barcelona ousted from the Champions League in what has otherwise been a largely successful spell for the 28-year-old, but he also didn’t have the full 90 minutes to make a difference.

That’s despite Spanish media touting Rashford to start the match. The Englishman was afforded just over 20 minutes to make a difference as he entered the field as a late substitute for Fermin Lopez.

However, he was ultimately unable to make much of an impact as Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League. It comes as Rashford’s future in sunny Spain is currently up in the air.

While Barcelona have an option to make his move permanent come season’s end to the tune of around £26million, it looks as though they are set to use limited funds to recruit Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan to strengthen their defence.

But with Robert Lewandowski potentially leaving the club this summer, the board could opt to keep Rashford as a replacement for their talisman – given he can also operate through the middle as well as on his favoured left flank.

Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona this season and the club have an option to make his move from Manchester United permanent, but the England international’s future is unclear

Barcelona are nearing an agreement to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, beating Liverpool to the player, in a deal that could impact Marcus Rashford’s future at the club. The Catalan club and Bastoni’s representatives are said to be moving in the same direction, with it only a ‘matter of time’ before all parties are aligned.

It is claimed that Barca’s return to Camp Nou will see the club satisfy La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules, but a high-earning player could yet depart to facilitate Barcelona landing their primary targets of Bastoni and a new forward, namely Julian Alvarez.

This is where Rashford’s position at the club has proven vulnerable. It has previously been reported that the forward’s salary has proven problematic, despite the loan star being willing to reduce his salary by almost half, and that has paused progress over a deal.

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Barca are keen to retain experience to benefit a young crop of players, which had played into Rashford’s favour. A bid to keep 37-year-old veteran striker Robert Lewandowski at the club, at a reduced salary, appeared to place Rashford’s future into more doubt.

But now Lewandowski has been touted as that player, according to reports in Italy, with AC Milan and Juventus being named as possible destinations for the Polish striker.

Rashford got on the scoresheet for Barcelona against local rivals Espanyol on Saturday. The England international rounded off the scoring after a Ferran Torres brace and Lamine Yamal goal put the game out of reach.

Rashford is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028 and his end to the season could still impact how likely Barcelona are to keep the start, with Hansi Flick a fan. They are already said to have had talks over players of a similar profile to Rashford, including Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup, Victor Munoz of Osasuna, and Mallorca’s Jan Virgili.

Flick was pleased to see Rashford score against Espanyol, despite opting to use him from the bench even with Raphinha injured. The German coach also praised Torres, who has received criticism this season.

“I’m happy for Ferran and also for Lamine’s and Rashford’s goals,” he said. “The most important thing is to protect the players.

“We’ll be criticised, but we have to manage it. It’s not easy, and sometimes it’s unfair, but it’s part of our job. It’s part of my responsibility. Ferran is in good form, and that’s a good thing.”

Flick was asked about Rashford last week, and suggested he’d adapted well at Barcelona ahead of the game with Atletico.

“It’s not just about pressing with the ball; in the end, you also have to defend,” he said. “But he’s doing things well and has adapted. We’re going to play against Atletico, and they are good down the wings.”

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Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves shared that his son picked up the ball during an under-11s match when discussing the Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid handball controversy

Owen Hargreaves has jokingly apologised to his son live on TNT Sports for ‘throwing him under the bus’ after revealing he picked up the ball during a recent under-11s match and gave away a penalty.

The former Manchester United midfielder used the incident light-heartedly as an illustration when discussing the moment Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill did the same during their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona.

Unlike Hargreaves Jnr, however, the 22-year-old escaped punishment at Camp Nou as referee Istvan Kovacs waved play on after Pubill handled the ball inside the six-yard box following a goal-kick from his goalkeeper, Juan Musso.

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The incident understandably enraged the Catalan club, who have formally lodged a complaint with UEFA regarding the officiating and requested a thorough investigation. Marcus Rashford also could not understand the decision, calling it a clear penalty.

Hargreaves agreed, saying on TNT Sports: “100%. If you’re Hansi Flick and Barcelona, you’re absolutely fuming, and rightly so. I know you could say, ‘Oh, he misjudged it,’ but if he handled the ball once he’s kicked it…”

He then quipped: “Funnily enough, my son did that the other day (laughs) in a game, and he accidentally just picked it up, and we all just went ‘what are you doing?’

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“And the ref, I mean, it’s under elevens, he gave a pen, so I think, based on the letter of the law, it was, wasn’t it? And it had a huge impact on the game, so I can completely understand Hansi Flick.

“Sorry for throwing my son under the bus there!” TNT presenter Becky Ives then replied: “You have a little bit there, haven’t you?”

However, the point Hargreaves used his son to make echoed what Rashford said after the match. He told CBS Sports: “It’s clear to me: it’s a penalty, it’s happened before, and it’s always been given, I don’t understand the decision.

“People talk about common sense, but common sense itself tells you it’s a penalty. Our reaction reflects that, but so does that of their own players. That counts, too.

“I’ve been in similar situations in matches where the decision was a penalty. Ultimately, it’s hard not to complain when the decision goes against you.”

It is almost an understatement to say Barcelona are absolutely livid, going as far as to release a statement on Thursday. It reads: “FC Barcelona inform that the club’s legal services have submitted a complaint to UEFA today regarding the events in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. The club considers that the refereeing did not adhere to the current law, directly influencing how the game progressed and the result.

“The complaint centres around a specific action. In the 54th minute of the match, after play had been restarted correctly, an opponent player picked up the ball in their area without being shown the corresponding penalty. FC Barcelona understands that this decision, along with a grave lack of intervention by VAR, represents a major error.

“Accordingly, the club has requested that an investigation be opened, access to refereeing communications, and, where applicable, official acknowledgement of the errors and the adoption of the relevant measures.

“Along these same lines, FC Barcelona consider that this is not the first time in recent editions of the UEFA Champions League that unfathomable refereeing decisions have had a detrimental effect on the team, creating a clear double standard and preventing competing against other clubs on a level playing field.”

Barcelona have lodged a formal complaint with UEFA after they were denied a penalty against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, with Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford supporting their protest

Barcelona have submitted a formal complaint to UEFA after being refused a penalty against Atletico Madrid. Barca, already down to 10 men following Pau Cubarsi’s dismissal, called for a spot kick after Atletico defender Marc Pubill handled the ball inside the penalty area.

The incident took place during a goal kick in the 54th minute, and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has backed Barca over their frustrations. Atletico’s goalkeeper, Juan Musso, played the ball to the already yellow-carded Pubill, who controlled it with his hand, apparently believing the ball was not in play.

Barcelona’s players instantly protested for a penalty, but neither on-field referee Istvan Kovacs nor the VAR awarded one, and play resumed from Pubill’s pass back to Musso. A comparable incident happened in last season’s Champions League when Club Brugge were awarded a penalty against Aston Villa after Tyrone Mings was deemed to have handled the ball.

Yet no such ruling was made on this occasion and Barca, who suffered a 2-0 home defeat, have been left incensed. In a statement released on Thursday, the La Liga heavyweights said: “FC Barcelona announces that, today, the club’s legal department has filed a formal complaint with UEFA regarding the events that occurred in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Atletico de Madrid.

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“The club believes that the referee’s performance was contrary to the regulations in force, directly impacting the course of the match and its outcome. The complaint focuses on a specific incident. In the 54th minute of the match, after play had properly restarted, an opposing player handled the ball inside the penalty area, yet no penalty was awarded.”

“FC Barcelona believes this decision, along with the serious failure of VAR to intervene, constitutes a significant error. Consequently, the club has requested an investigation, access to the referee’s communications, and, if necessary, official acknowledgment of the errors and the implementation of appropriate measures.

“In this same vein, FC Barcelona believes that this is not the first time that, in recent editions of the UEFA Champions League, incomprehensible refereeing decisions have seriously harmed the team, creating a clear comparative disadvantage and preventing them from competing on equal terms with other clubs.”

On-loan United forward Rashford, who scored Barca’s first in a 2-1 win over Atleti just four days prior to Wednesday’s defeat, expressed his anger over the incident following the final whistle, telling CBS Sports: “It’s clear to me: it’s a penalty. It’s happened before and it’s always been given. I don’t understand the decision.

“People talk about common sense, but common sense itself tells you it’s a penalty. Our reaction reflects that, but so does that of their own players. That counts, too.

“I’ve been in similar situations in matches where the decision was a penalty. Ultimately, it’s hard not to complain when the decision goes against you.”

Manager Hansi Flick mirrored Rashford’s sentiments, saying: “I don’t know what happens in the situation when the goalkeeper starts the game, the defender stops the ball with his hand and then plays again.

“For me, it’s a clear red card, well a second yellow card and a penalty. [The VAR] can explain why it’s not [reviewed the play]. I can’t believe it’s not a red card. It feels not good.”

“It feels unfair. We have to accept it. We will fight next Tuesday.”

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As Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Barcelona continues to tick down, one Champions League pundit has pointed out a huge change within the Manchester United academy graduate

Former Premier League star Stephen Warnock believes Marcus Rashford’s personality and character has changed for the better at Barcelona. In his final 18 months at Manchester United, Rashford’s time at Old Trafford was marred by off the field situations and a falling out with former boss Ruben Amorim.

When his opportunities were blocked by the Portuguese boss, Rashford secured a dream move to the Camp Nou and has impressed during his time with the Catalans. While his side were beaten 2-0 at home in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid, Rashford was impressive, finding the net only to be marginally ruled offside.

He was Hansi Flick’s side’s most dangerous player, recording four shots on target, more than any other player on the pitch. But the biggest change Warnock spotted was the fact he was willing to take on his opposition full-back and beat him at will, which may go some way to convincing the club to sign him from United permanently.

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Warnock, speaking on the BBC Champions League highlights show, said: “He’s just a brilliant player isn’t he? I think what he’s done since he’s gone to Barcelona is, he’s found his form.

“I think he’s found a happy place where he’s enjoying his football. I actually think he should do better in this position when it comes to him, with that acceleration.

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“His touch just gets caught under him ever so slightly. The strike isn’t quite as clean but his movement is brilliant at the moment. What you want from a winger, on the opposing side, is to get in the box and get opportunities.

“Maybe he can take that down, but he’s so confident in himself that he wants to take that shot on first time. Again, arriving at the back post, great goal,[later ruled out] and that’s exactly what you’re after. Hansi Flick will be delighted with that.

“When you’re a full-back, and you’re playing against someone who has pace, who can time his runs well and know he can use that pace, he’s so dangerous in behind. Maybe he could show a little bit more composure, but that confidence he’s got in himself, he’s taking everything on.

“He’s playing alongside (Lamine) Yamal, and you’re thinking, he’s the one over free-kicks, he’s the one trying to be in the ascendancy, on the front foot, taking people on. I think you can see a huge change in character, in personality, in confidence from an outstanding footballer.

“I think from Thomas Tuchel’s point of view, I think it’s the best thing that’s happened for him this year. It gives him another option in forward positions going into the World Cup.”

Considering his display in Catalunya, Rashford will be one of his side’s biggest hopes, when it comes to overturning the two-goal deficit.

It also remains to be seen whether Barcelona decide to take up their option to sign him permanently from United at the end of the campaign.

They have until June 15 to activate a release clause in his deal which would enable them to sign him for around £26m from United.

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Marcus Rashford has made a subtle change to his game at Barcelona which has pleased head coach Hansi Flick following his loan move from Manchester United

Hansi Flick has revealed that Marcus Rashford has “adapted” to his Barcelona team as rumours continue to swirl around his future at Camp Nou.

The England international joined Barca on a season-long loan from Manchester United last summer and he has impressed in his time at the club, scoring 11 goals and providing 13 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.

And Rashford helped Barca extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table as he the netted the opener in a 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Giuliano Simeone had put Atletico ahead, but Rashford soon equalised before Robert Lewandowski struck the winner three minutes from time.

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Barca have a £26million option to buy Rashford at the end of the season but it’s unclear whether the club are prepared to trigger that and make his loan move permanent.

Despite this, Flick praised Rashford in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday as Barca prepared to host Atletico in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. Indeed, the ex-Bayern Munich boss hailed the fact Rashford has improved his defensive pressing and hinted that he could be handed another start.

“It’s not just about pressing with the ball, you also have to defend, but he’s (Rashford) doing things well and has adapted,” Flick said. “We’re going to play against Atletico and they’re good on the wings.”

It comes a matter of days after Flick said he was “very happy” with Rashford’s performances following his goal in the win at Atletico.

“I’m very happy with Marcus,” the German said. “He has shown his quality and he scored an important goal. I can’t say anything about his future, we have to focus on the matches until the end of the season.”

Rashford has not played for United since December 2024, and lost his No.10 shirt to Matheus Cunha under former head coach Ruben Amorim last summer.

Before that, Amorim said he would rather name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach as a substitute than a player who does not give his all, in response to a question about Rashford.

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He spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa and was forced to train at a separate time from United’s first-team players in the summer before he joined Barca.

And speaking to ESPN at the end of 2025, Rashford made it clear he wants to join Barca on a permanent deal this summer. “Oh yeah, for sure,” the forward replied when asked if he wanted to stay at the Catalan club.

“I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour.”

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has reportedly recommended who should replace him at Old Trafford

The winds of transfer speculation are sweeping through Old Trafford despite the absence of on-field activity at Manchester United. While supporters must be patient for the team’s return to competitive football, there’s no shortage of intrigue in the latest developments.

Michael Carrick’s squad are gearing up for their trip to Dublin ahead of the end-of-season run-in. United will undergo four days of rigorous training across the Irish Sea as a way of maximising their time during a break in fixtures.

United have seven matches remaining to leave their mark on this campaign and secure a top-four Premier League finish. Carrick’s charges return to competitive action at home to Leeds in a week’s time (April 13) and are presently just one point clear of Aston Villa in fourth.

Beyond this season, though, there are movements taking place that will determine how next term’s squad shakes out. Here, the Manchester Evening News explores the biggest stories surrounding Old Trafford.

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Rashford raises Barca hopes

Any concerns that Marcus Rashford’s potential permanent switch to Barcelona was under threat were eased on Saturday. That’s after the Englishman delivered a standout display against Atletico Madrid to help Barca maintain their place atop La Liga.

Los Cules found themselves trailing in Spain’s capital in what could have proved a catastrophic result for their title aspirations. However, Rashford then orchestrated a clever move down the left flank that saw his side level just a few minutes later.

Barca’s 2-1 victory over Atletico extends their advantage at the summit to seven points. The lead is all the more significant after Real Madrid stumbled at Mallorca in a 2-1 upset.

It was recently reported Barcelona had missed the deadline to secure Rashford for the £26m fee included in his loan agreement. However, it has since been suggested those claims may have been premature.

Regardless, things are looking up for Rashford after scoring his first league goal since January. And finding the net in a fixture of such importance is certain to have impressed those who will be determining his transfer future this summer.

It was described as a “statement of intent” by Mundo Deportivo. More crucial goals in the run-in could all but guarantee his permament move to Camp Nou.

Fernandes ‘picks his own replacement’

With captain Bruno Fernandes potentially departing this summer, uncertainty reigns regarding his successor. Speaking towards the end of 2025, Fernandes acknowledged the interest in his services last summer and that he could still depart in the near future if he didn’t feel valued by United.

Replacing such an influential figure will likely demand significant financial outlay. Yet Fernandes appears ready to assist United in that regard, reportedly putting forward a name to his current employers.

As it turns out, that name bears more than a passing resemblance to his own. The Sun has reported West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is the player Bruno has recommended as his preferred candidate to step into the role of United’s new No. 10.

Bruno was recently on international duty with Portugal, where he shared a dressing room with his very own namesake. Mateus even came on as a substitute for Bruno to earn his international debut in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States.

That symbolic handover could prove to be far more meaningful should the United skipper have his way. His fellow Sporting CP graduate secured a £40m switch to West Ham last summer following an impressive spell at Southampton, completing the move to east London just before the transfer deadline.

Mateus is not yet matching Bruno’s output in the Premier League, registering four goals and four assists across 34 appearances this season. However, his reliability, tireless work rate and ability to operate virtually anywhere across midfield suggest the comparisons between the two may carry genuine merit.

Marcus Rashford was left shaking his head during a training session in 2024 after being nutmegged by one of the academy’s upcoming stars

Ethan Wheatley was once touted for a big future at Manchester United. The forward became the club’s 250th academy graduate to feature for the first team when he made his debut during a 4-2 win over Sheffield United in April 2024.

After impressing in the academy, Wheatley was one of several youngsters that joined first-team training back in October 2024 as Erik ten Hag prepared his side for their upcoming Europa League clash against Fenerbahce.

And the young forward – then 18 – certainly made his impact known. During a training drill Wheatley received a pass with Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee applying pressure, before tidily playing the ball through the former’s legs.

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Stunned at the nutmegging, Rashford opted to temporarily leave the drill with his head in his hands. The camera-caught moment displayed the team spirit within United as a smiling Rashford quickly joined his team-mates to laugh about the incident.

Wheatley has since been sent on loan three times in the last two seasons after struggling to make an impact on the first-team at United. He first left the club for League Two side Walsall in January 2025 but played just four games, scoring no goals.

Last August, he joined League One outfit Northampton Town on a season-long loan and had been a regular for the club with three goals in 25 games across all competitions. However, he was recalled from his loan by United in January who then sent him to fellow third-tier side Bradford City for the rest of the season.

Following his recall, Northampton manager Kevin Nolan said Wheatley had made lots of progress during his spell at the club and shared his disappointment at the forward’s departure. “We are disappointed Ethan has been recalled but we are proud of the work we have done with him and believe he leaves us a far better player than he arrived,” Nolan said.

“Because of his injury picked up at Huddersfield in December, we were planning to be without him for a period anyway, but we thank Manchester United for loaning Ethan to us and wish him well for his future career.

“I know he enjoyed himself here, I know his family were appreciative of how we looked after him, and I know Manchester United were pleased with how the loan went.”

His fortunes with the Bantams have been less than fruitful as he remains goalless in 11 league games.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Post at the beginning of March about Wheatley’s goal drought, Bradford City’s Antoni Sarcevic said: “Ethan’s a young lad who is finding his feet in the EFL.

“I still think Ethan is doing brilliantly for us. I know he’ll pride himself on goals but I think what he gives to us is really good. The goals will come if he keeps going.”

Rashford is also spending the season out on loan, of course, wit the forward now having less than three months left on his temporary stint with Barcelona.

The winger has enjoyed a return to form with the Catalan giants with 10 goals and 13 assists in 39 games with the reigning La Liga champions in the driving seat to retain their title. Finding his confidence and productivity once again has also led Rashford to an England return as he looks likely to head to his third World Cup this summer.

Set for a Manchester reunion at the end of the season unless Barcelona pay his £26million buy option, Rashford has previously made clear his desire to remain in Spain long-term.

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Manchester United still have some time before they are back in action due to their early exit from the FA Cup

Manchester United are set for an extended break as the international hiatus concludes. Michael Carrick’s team won’t be participating in FA Cup action this weekend.

United’s last match was on March 20, when they were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Bournemouth. The club’s next fixture is scheduled for April 13, when they will host Leeds United.

Players will gradually return after representing their nations during the break, a period which saw Marcus Rashford rejoin the England squad under Thomas Tuchel. The 28-year-old started the opening friendly against Uruguay and made a substitute appearance in the 1-0 defeat to Japan.

Rashford may now have the chance to clock up vital playing time at Barcelona over the weekend, but manager Hansi Flick has issued him a significant message. The Manchester Evening News brings you the latest from Old Trafford.

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Marcus Rashford receives manager’s caution

Rashford moved to Barcelona on an initial loan agreement last summer and has flourished under head coach Flick. His future remains somewhat uncertain, with a £26million purchase option reportedly still in play.

However, he has found himself consigned to the bench in recent months following Raphinha’s return from injury. But with the Brazilian suffering another setback, Rashford could seize the opportunity.

Addressing this ahead of their clash against Atletico Madrid on Saturday night, Flick does acknowledge he has several options to replace Raphinha, however.

He said: “It’s an injury, and that’s part of football. We have to accept it. It hasn’t come at the best time, which saddens us, and now we’ll have to see how we manage it.

“I’m happy with Marcus. He’s performing well. He’s had some physical problems in recent weeks, but now’s an opportunity for him. We also have other options like Fermin [Lopez] or Gavi, who’s playing at a very high level. We’ll see what we decide, because we have several choices.”

Morgan Rogers makes transfer decision

One of Rashford’s international colleagues, Morgan Rogers, could be set for a move this summer. The Sun report that Rogers is willing to depart Aston Villa in the forthcoming window amid interest from several top-flight clubs.

United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all understood to be interested parties and the report claims Rogers has determined he wants to join a side that can regularly compete for silverware.

Villa will reportedly not obstruct the player should he desire to leave and would demand at least £80m for Rogers, whom they acquired for an initial £8m from Middlesbrough.

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

Manchester United are set for a summer of change with eight first-team players potentially leaving Old Trafford

Manchester United are bracing themselves for another transformational transfer window following their recent progress. A raft of senior exits are anticipated that could generate upwards of £100million, available for reinvestment.

Last summer’s substantial outlay of a little more than £200m may have stretched the club’s finances somewhat. Nevertheless, United could secure their most considerable income from player sales in a number of years, with eight or more first-team players potentially departing.

Among those, the moves appearing most certain at this stage are the free exits of Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has also already confirmed his departure despite remaining a valued starter.

Sancho is extremely unlikely to secure a new contract after his loan spell at Aston Villa concludes, while left-back Malacia has similarly failed to progress after spending the latter half of last season on loan at PSV. Consequently, his four-year stint looks set to end having made merely 10 senior appearances for United over the past three campaigns.

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While Michael Carrick, or whoever secures the permanent managerial position, may regret seeing Casemiro leave, his departure in particular does bring some tangible benefits. Notably, his £350,000-a-week salary will liberate substantial room on the wage bill and permit another marquee signing to arrive.

The same applies to Sancho, who still has 20 per cent of his almost £250,000-a-week wages covered by United during his stint at Villa Park. A comparable arrangement exists for £300,000-a-week earner Marcus Rashford, though United are anticipating a considerably greater financial return once his loan spell at Barcelona concludes in June.

Barca must now negotiate a price for Rasfhford after the £26m purchase clause in his contract recently expired. Interestingly, this could work in United’s favour, as another interested party may be prepared to exceed the stipulated fee should he move on elsewhere.

The other loan United are hopeful will generate significant funds involves Rasmus Hojlund. Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna described the £38m deal as “a formality” back in December, with the Italians likely to fulfil one condition of the arrangement by securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

The Red Devils may need to work considerably harder to find takers for the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana. Ugarte, 24, has struggled to justify his £50m valuation since arriving at United from PSG in 2024, though his age and profile ensure he will attract interest.

Likewise, Zirkzee attracted considerable attention from Serie A clubs during the January transfer window. United opted to rebuff those advances while Carrick settled into his role as interim manager, but the Dutchman’s prospects at Old Trafford show little sign of improving.

Finally, Onana’s time in Manchester looks to be drawing to a close following Senne Lammens’ emergence as United’s first-choice keeper. And despite impressing during his loan spell at Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, all indications point towards United seeking to offload the Cameroonian and draw a line under his stint at the club for good.

On a more positive note, a promising period in the Super Lig may help to reignite outside interest in Onana. However, United will likely have to accept selling the goalkeeper for considerably less than his £44m fee.