Manchester United have reportedly been presented with an opportunity to offload Marcus Rashford in January through a swap deal that would see Barcelona forward Ansu Fati move to Old Trafford.
According to recent reports, Barcelona are keen on acquiring Rashford and are proposing to use Fati as part of the deal. The club has consulted their manager, Hansi Flick, who has given a positive response regarding the potential transfer. Flick believes Rashford could add “more versatility and effectiveness” to Barcelona’s attack, prompting sporting director Deco to initiate negotiations with Manchester United.
Landing Rashford is viewed as “ideal” for Barcelona, especially to strengthen their left-wing position. While Fati plays in the same role, his inconsistent performances this season have raised doubts about his future at the club. Flick sees Rashford fitting perfectly into his system, creating an exciting attacking dynamic alongside players like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
On the other hand, Fati is seen as a player who could rejuvenate his career at United, with Old Trafford potentially being the right environment for him to regain confidence and showcase his talent.
However, the negotiations may prove challenging for Barcelona. Although Rashford has struggled with form recently and has faced criticism, he is still considered more valuable than Fati. United’s recruitment team might also hesitate to pursue Fati, given his injury history and underwhelming loan spell at Brighton, where he scored only four goals and provided one assist in 27 appearances.
Instead, United could focus on other forward options to replace Rashford, such as Nico Williams, Kenan Yildiz, or Matheus Cunha, to strengthen their squad more effectively.
The 27-year-old Marcus Rashford is reportedly “open” to the idea of joining Hansi Flick at Barcelona, although it remains uncertain whether a deal can be reached between the Catalan club and Manchester United.
In separate reports, it has emerged that Rashford’s candid comments about wanting to leave United have left some of his teammates feeling “fuming.” Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray, speaking on *Match of the Day 2*, expressed his belief that it might be the right time for Rashford to move on. He stated, “I feel like he’s carried the weight of Manchester United and the supporters’ expectations for too long now. I would like a new break for Marcus Rashford, to go and enjoy his football elsewhere.”
Meanwhile, United is reportedly in the running to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray. Chelsea, long-time admirers of Osimhen, had attempted to sign him in the summer but may now watch as he potentially joins United instead. To secure Osimhen, United would need to meet his €75 million (£62.1 million / $78 million) release clause.
Additionally, United’s transfer plans may also include AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez. Italian reports suggest that the club is “ready to attack” the market in January, with Hernandez being a significant target. However, they will need to compete with Real Madrid for the 27-year-old France international’s signature.
As United looks to strengthen their squad, the potential departures and arrivals of key players could reshape the team’s dynamics in the upcoming transfer window.