The continuation of Marcus Rashford’s uncertain future at Manchester United remains across headlines
Michael Carrick has been given a weekend respite at Manchester United due to the FA Cup schedule.
The Red Devils exited the tournament last month following a 2-1 loss to Brighton at Old Trafford. Whie their top-four competitors are all playing across the weekend, United have been granted a break before their next Premier League fixture away to Everton on February 23.
Although every chance of silverware this campaign has now passed for United, they remain well-placed to secure Champions League qualification, which would mark progress in the right direction.
As the club’s search for a new permanent manager continues, with Thomas Tuchel the most recent candidate to withdraw from contention, there’s no shortage of activity at Old Trafford. Here, we provide the latest on a transfer development concerning Marcus Rashford, alongside comments from one United player regarding Carrick.
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Marcus Rashford clue
Marcus Rashford has been the subject of discussion ever since his loan switch to Barcelona at the beginning of the campaign. However, the Spanish club appear to have enhanced his prospects of remaining there on a permanent basis in a statement regarding their Copa del Rey fixture against Atletico Madrid.
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Barcelona outlined several reasons for optimism ahead of next month’s fixture, including the return of Rashford, who was absent from the 4-0 first-leg hammering due to a knee injury. They described the Man United loanee as a “key player,” suggesting his significance to Hansi Flick and potentially revealing hints about what lies ahead.
The Catalan club holds an option to purchase Rashford permanently for £26million at the season’s conclusion. This outcome appears increasingly probable, with the player himself having acknowledged his desire to complete the move from United.
The full statement read: “If all goes well, three key players should be available for the second leg on March 3: Pedri, Raphinha and Rashford. The Englishman looks the most certain, having missed the first leg purely as a precaution.”
Benjamin Sesko admission
The Slovenian striker is yet to make a Premier League start under Carrick, though that hasn’t prevented him from delivering a notable contribution. He’s appeared as a substitute in four of the five league matches the former United midfielder has overseen and netted two crucial goals.
Sesko followed up his late winner against Fulham with an even later equaliser away at West Ham earlier this week. The forward featured on the latest episode of Manchester United’s official podcast, where he spoke highly of his manager when asked about his brief tenure under him.
Speaking on Inside Carrington, the 22-year-old stated: “First of all, he’s an amazing person. That’s already meaning really a lot, but as well, a really good coach. And not just him, the whole staff that he has with him, they’re working unbelievably.”
Discussing Carrick’s coaching team, he added: “They’re giving all the details that you need to improve, to get better, to know what to do in the game, because it’s important. And they’re always good with communications [sic], as he and the other staff. So, I’m really happy that he came here and also happy with what we have achieved around it.”
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.