Manchester United are on the verge of returning to Europe next season
Marcus Rashford could end up costing Manchester United millions(Image: David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Manchester United will need every member of their squad firing on all cylinders as the Premier League run-in reaches its climax. Michael Carrick’s side have been grappling with several significant injuries, with Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs De Ligt and Patrick Dorgu all sidelined in recent weeks.
Fortunately, Mainoo’s setback proved to be a minor knock and he sat out just one match in the 2-1 defeat to Leeds United. Dorgu, however, has been absent since his stunning strike against Arsenal in January and is “not ready” to return to action just yet.
De Ligt last pulled on a United shirt in November, with a persistent back complaint keeping him out of contention. Carrick has been forced to lean on other key figures to carry the burden and is determined to maintain his steady run as interim manager.
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Here, Manchester Evening News brings you the very latest coming out of Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford’s costly return
Rashford’s future is currently uncertain(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
United could miss out on millions if Barcelona opt against signing the forward on a permanent basis. The United academy product is currently on loan at the Spanish giants, with a clause in his agreement allowing Barca to secure a permanent transfer for £26million.
However, the 28-year-old’s future remains very much up in the air, with negotiations over his long-term prospects in Spain yet to get underway. Barcelona are currently weighing up alternative options in attack, including Atletico Madrid pair Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth.
If the La Liga leaders opt against making Rashford’s move permanent, he will return to Old Trafford and rejoin United’s wage bill. As one of the club’s highest earners, his salary would represent a substantial addition to the squad – with his £315,000-a-week wages reinstated should the club secure Champions League qualification, according to the Daily Mail.
Additionally, the club risks forfeiting the £26m purchase option if Barcelona decide not to extend the forward’s spell in Spain.
However, with no permanent manager appointed to lead United, Rashford’s future could take a further turn in the coming weeks.
JJ Gabriel statement made
JJ Gabriel is impressing at youth level(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand has declared that JJ Gabriel represents “the future” of United after his outstanding performance in the FA Youth Cup. The 15-year-old scored during the U18s’ 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the semi-finals and proved influential throughout.
Chido Obi struck the winner in extra time to secure the youth side’s progression to the final, where they’ll meet local rivals Manchester City. After his impressive showing in the match, United legend Ferdinand heaped praise on the teenager.
In a post on X, the Old Trafford icon wrote: “Well worked by Chido Obi… calmly finished by JJ! The future @ManUtd. Movement in behind. Pass. Simple game! Congrats to Fletch and the boys… great feeling!”
Gabriel certainly made an emphatic statement with his display as he sets his sights on breaking into the senior setup next season. United boast a rich tradition of nurturing their academy prospects through to the first team, with Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford all successfully making that transition, to name but a few, and Gabriel could make his top-flight bow early in the forthcoming campaign in accordance with Premier League regulations.
With Gabriel catching the eye and other talented youngsters such as Kai Rooney also turning heads in the academy, it appears the club are well-placed to carry on this proud tradition of developing their own homegrown talent from grassroots level right through to the first team.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.