Manchester United aren’t in action this weekend but that hasn’t stopped the club dominating headlines off the pitch
While their Premier League counterparts gear up for FA Cup fourth round fixtures, Manchester United enjoy a weekend break to rest and recuperate. United were knocked out by Brighton at the first hurdle in the previous round, leaving the league as their sole remaining priority after failing to qualify for Europe and suffering an early Carabao Cup exit.
Michael Carrick’s side won’t be back in action until February 23, when they face Everton. By the time that Monday night kick-off gets underway, they could be out of the Champions League places, with Chelsea and Liverpool breathing down their necks.
Interim boss Carrick wasn’t backed in the transfer market during the winter window, having only been appointed in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure. Regardless of whether Carrick or someone else is in the dugout next term, speculation abounds regarding potential ins and outs.
Off the field, recent remarks from part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have also sparked debate. Here are our latest headlines from Old Trafford.
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Rashford comeback supported
Ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen reckons Marcus Rashford’s Old Trafford journey might not be finished. Rashford spent time on loan at Aston Villa last season and is currently on a season-long arrangement with Barcelona.
The Catalan giants hold an option to make the move permanent for just over £26million at the end of the season if they are happy with Rashford’s output. Nevertheless, Meulensteen hasn’t dismissed the possibility of the academy product returning now that Carrick – previously an on-field colleague of the forward – is at the helm.
“It could be a route back for Marcus Rashford at Man Utd, definitely,” Meulensteen told BetGoat. “I think Marcus is still as ‘red’ as anyone because he came through the ranks as a young kid, and that will never go away, that will never leave him.
“It’s the same with Scott McTominay. 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, but now at Barcelona. It’s a different culture, a different language, and a different style. Every week is different.
“The Premier League is different. It’s so much more demanding than any league in the world. And I think he’s enjoying his football, and that’s the most important thing. He needs to enjoy his football.”
Ratcliffe addresses backlash to comments
Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced widespread criticism following remarks in which he suggested the UK was being ‘colonised’ by immigrants. Supporter group The 1958 were amongst those who challenged the co-owner, who has now released a subsequent statement regarding his comments.
“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,” Ratcliffe said in a statement shared on Thursday. “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.
“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.”
Previously, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham had criticised Ratcliffe, saying: “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 – including Manchester United FC.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.