Manchester United are facing a stark choice over Marcus Rashford’s future, with the club setting a deadline for the England forward’s transfer while simultaneously booking a double medical for a new arrival.
The 28-year-old has been at the centre of uncertainty since the season ended. The Sun reports that United will aim to arrange a transfer for Rashford before their pre-season training camp in Dublin in August. Yet, according to the Guardian, plans are also in place to reintegrate him into the squad under Michael Carrick.
“Man Utd set Rashford transfer deadline and book double medical for Santos”
That contradiction crystallised on Thursday as the Standard revealed that United have booked a double medical – with Chelsea’s Andrey Santos due in for a medical after a £50m transfer was agreed. The Brazilian midfielder is set to become United’s third summer signing, adding to a midfield already crowded with options.
The arrival of Santos, 22, may accelerate a decision on Rashford, whose £300,000-a-week wages have reportedly deterred suitors. Arsenal and Tottenham are among five Premier League clubs eyeing a move for RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa, according to Teamtalk, but neither has been linked with Rashford in recent days.
Barcelona have shortlisted Bournemouth’s French striker Eli Junior Kroupi, 20, as a potential target, though they face competition from Paris St-Germain, Arsenal and Tottenham, according to Fichajes. Elsewhere, Juventus want Aston Villa to lower their €10m (£8.5m) demand for Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, having already agreed personal terms, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports.
United’s dilemma is not new – they have struggled to offload high-earning players in recent windows. But the combination of a self-imposed deadline and a double medical suggests movement is imminent. Whether Rashford leaves or stays, the next fortnight will define his future at Old Trafford.