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<\/p>\nManchester United have a weekend off after failing to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup<\/p>\n
Marcus Rashford has been spending the season on loan at Barcelona(Image: AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
As their Premier League<\/a> rivals prepare for FA Cup fourth round action, Manchester United<\/a> have a weekend off to recharge their batteries. United were eliminated by Brighton<\/a> in the third round, meaning the league is their only remaining focus this term.<\/p>\n Michael Carrick’s team won’t return to action until February 23, when they take on Everton<\/a>. By the time that game kicks off they could find themselves outside the Champions League<\/a> spots, with Chelsea<\/a> currently one point behind the Red Devils and Liverpool<\/a> two further points behind them.<\/p>\n Interim manager Carrick didn’t make any additions to his squad in January after taking over from Ruben Amorim. There is no certainty over whether he will be in the dugout next season but that hasn’t stopped speculation about future signings.<\/p>\n Away from the pitch, recent comments from part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have caused controversy. Here are Mirror Football’s latest talking points from around Old Trafford.<\/p>\n Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate<\/a> or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings<\/p>\n READ MORE: Michael Carrick learns ‘position’ for Man Utd job after major Thomas Tuchel development<\/a>READ MORE: Man Utd fans’ group slams Sir Jim Ratcliffe over controversial immigration rant<\/a>Rashford backed for return<\/p>\n Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes Marcus Rashford’s Old Trafford career is not over. Rashford finished last season on loan at Aston Villa and is now on a season-long deal with Barcelona<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Catalan club have an option to sign permanently for just over \u00a326million in the summer. However, Meulensteen isn’t ruling out a return for the academy graduate now that Rashford’s former team-mate Carrick is in the dugout.<\/p>\n Marcus Rashford and Michael Carrick were team-mates at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n “It could be a route back for Marcus Rashford<\/a> at Man Utd, definitely,” the Dutchman told BetGoat<\/a>. “I think Marcus is still as \u2018red\u2019 as anyone because he came through the ranks as a young kid, and that will never go away, that will never leave him.<\/p>\n “It’s the same with Scott McTominay<\/a>. Both players have done extremely well wherever they’ve gone. But I think it was good for Marcus to have that spell away, first of all at Aston Villa<\/a>, but now at Barcelona. It’s a different culture, a different language, and a different style. Every week is different.<\/p>\n “The Premier League<\/a> is different. It’s so much more demanding than any league in the world<\/a>. And I think he’s enjoying his football, and that’s the most important thing. He needs to enjoy his football.”<\/p>\n FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n Ratcliffe responds to backlash<\/p>\n Sir Jim Ratcliffe came under fire for comments in which he claimed the UK was being ‘colonised’ by immigrants<\/a>. Fan group The 1958 were among those to hit back at the co-owner, who has now issued a further statement about his comments.<\/p>\n “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth,” the billionaire said<\/a>. “My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.<\/p>\n Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments have caused controversy(Image: SKy NEws)<\/p>\n “My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”<\/p>\n Earlier, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham<\/a> had called out Ratcliffe. “These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races and faiths have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions \u2013 including Manchester United FC,” he said.<\/p>\n Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community <\/a>and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. 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