Manchester United’s £200m spending spree last summer saw the club land three new attacking talents – with all three additions making an immediate impact at Old Trafford.
Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were all signed by INEOS 12 months ago to provide the Red Devils squad with the quality they craved in forward areas.
The trio netted 32 goals combined in the Premier League last term, subsequently helping Michael Carrick’s men secure Champions League qualification.
However, their respective performances have cemented their places as regular starters under the 25-year-old, which could spell bad news for one other senior squad member.
What the future holds for Marcus Rashford at Man Utd
After netting 30 goals for United during the 2022/23 campaign, you would be forgiven for thinking attacker Marcus Rashford would remain a mainstay within the club’s senior ranks.
However, the last three years have been nothing but plain sailing for the Englishman, with the 28-year-old being sent on two separate loan spells to recapture his best form.
He did impress during his latest temporary spell away from Old Trafford, subsequently registering 25 combined goals and assists for Barcelona as they claimed LaLiga title glory.
Rashford is yet to return to pre-season training after being handed an extended break following his spell at the World Cup, with Carrick providing an update about his pending return.
|
Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd PL record |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Apps |
Goals + Assists |
|
24/25 |
25 |
10 |
|
23/24 |
33 |
10 |
|
22/23 |
35 |
23 |
|
21/22 |
25 |
6 |
|
20/21 |
37 |
24 |
|
19/20 |
31 |
26 |
|
18/19 |
33 |
17 |
|
17/18 |
35 |
12 |
|
16/17 |
32 |
7 |
|
15/16 |
11 |
7 |
Following the draw with PSG on Saturday, the manager said: “We have got a full squad this week in Dublin. We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together.
“Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie [Mainoo] and Lisandro [Martinez]. We look forward to seeing them.”
He’s already been subject to interest from clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia this summer, but for the time being, it appears as though the forward may have a part to play under Carrick.
Despite the potential return of Rashford this summer, INEOS have been working hard to identify potential attacking reinforcements before the summer window closes.
Brentford striker Igor Thiago is one player who has emerged on their shortlist, but their reluctance to sell has made a deal for the Brazilian international somewhat trickier.
However, he’s not the only player from that part of the world currently in their sights, with Real Madrid forward Endrick emerging as a surprise transfer target.
It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that United have been in talks with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a move to Old Trafford this summer.
The report also states that the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also present in the race, with the Spanish giants currently only willing to sanction a loan deal for the 20-year-old.
Despite the move only being a temporary one for now, the Red Devils will be landing a hugely talented player – and one who possesses huge potential to improve further. After all, former Madrid and Brazil coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo once said that “he has all the qualities to be the best player in the world.”
Endrick has often had to bide his time for opportunities at the Bernabeu, which saw him spend the second half of last season on loan at French side Lyon.
The move allowed the youngster to gain valuable game time to continue his development, with his underlying stats showcasing why he could push Rashford closer to the exit door at Old Trafford.
Whilst he only featured 16 times in France’s top-flight last term, the Brazilian managed to register 12 combined goals and assists – the third highest tally of any player in Paulo Fonseca’s squad.
Such a figure highlights his impressive ability within the final third of the pitch – with his subsequent tally seeing him register a better goal per game ratio than the Englishman.
Endrick also managed to complete an average of 2.7 successful dribbles per 90, which demonstrates his ability to glide past the opposition – a tally Rashford was unable to match.
He often added the end product to his mazy runs – as seen with his goal contributions – which saw him register 2.2 chances created per 90 and ranking him 97% of attackers in Europe.
His rise over recent years and immediate impact despite his tender has led to huge praise, with talent scout Jacek Kulig labelling the forward as “world-class.”
Endrick has showcased that he’s already a leading talent in Europe and is deserving of an opportunity to showcase his talents at a club like United in the Premier League.
His arrival would no doubt push Rashford closer to the exit door, but it’s hard to fight his corner when a player of the Brazilian’s ilk becomes available in the market.
