Manchester United aim to maintain their strong form as they head to Everton in the Premier League on Monday night with Michael Carrick at the helm
Michael Carrick will look to stretch his unbeaten streak in his second stint as Manchester United boss to six matches when his side take on Everton. The new manager’s team make the trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.
Since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim until the conclusion of the campaign, United’s fortunes have been transformed completely. The 44-year-old kicked off this tenure with a derby triumph over Manchester City and has delivered victories against Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham.
The most recent fixture was a thrilling 1-1 stalemate against West Ham and attention now shifts to Everton. Beyond the current first-team squad, on-loan United ace Marcus Rashford’s future remains a major talking point.
Recent speculation suggests that Rashford could complete a permanent switch to Barcelona in the summer but a fresh complication may emerge. The Manchester Evening News provides you with the latest from Old Trafford.
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Marcus Rashford move under ‘threat’
Since completing his loan transfer to Barcelona in the summer, Rashford has been the focus of considerable transfer speculation. The £26million purchase clause included in his deal could result in him remaining at the Camp Nou on a permanent basis.
Over the past month, reports have varied, suggesting that United manager Carrick wants Rashford back, whilst also claiming the player himself is keen to remain in Spain. Recent rumours suggest Barcelona may attempt to negotiate a lower purchase fee, despite viewing Rashford as an integral part of their squad.
Adding to the uncertainty, Spanish publication Sport has introduced another potential complication. They claim that Lyon’s Malick Fofana, another winger target, could jeopardise Rashford’s transfer.
The report indicates that Fofana, like Rashford, carries a £26m price tag. The Belgian 20-year-old is returning from a long-term injury, and if he performs well, the outlet suggests he could potentially disrupt Rashford’s move, even though the Englishman is currently preferred over him.
Mason Mount nearing return
Another English player’s future has been under discussion, with Mason Mount nearing his comeback. The 27-year-old sustained an injury during training earlier this month.
The United star has been out of action since before the 3-2 win over Fulham, but ahead of Monday’s match against Everton, Carrick has provided a positive update.
He said: “Mason’s getting closer. I think we’re going to be patient as well, and we have been patient with him, so we don’t want to push anything.
“He’s an important part of the group, Mason, and we want him back and fit and he’ll have a big impact for us. So, he’s getting closer, which is good for us.”
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