Marcus Rashford unlikely to play for Man Utd again, and why the club didn’t sign a striker – Paper Round

Marcus Rashford is “extremely” unlikely to play competitively for Manchester United again, the Guardian reports. Rashford has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season, and they while they have an option to buy the England international, Barcelona are also interested in a permanent deal this summer.

It means Rashford’s United career is all-but over, despite having a contract there until 2028, with reports suggesting that the relationship between the player and club is “near irreplaceable” even if Ruben Amorim is no longer head coach.

“Amorim denied that it would be embarrassing for United should Rashford prove prolific for Villa, who confirmed the loan signing of the Paris Saint-Germain forward Marco Asensio on deadline day, and it is understood that there is no call‑back clause in the loan to cover for this eventuality.”

Manchester United are pleased with their business in the January transfer window and were not prepared to take “reckless or expensive risks” when it came to signing a forward, the Daily Mail reports.

Despite Rashford departing and doubts over Rasmus Hojlund, United did not sign a striker and are content with the arrivals of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven.

“They maintain their stance offers broader scope for summer window where there are better opportunities available for players that fit their long-term plans; anything spent in January would have reduced their summer budget.

“United are working within tight financial constraints and PSR limits; all the changes they are making are to enable investment in football; which is why they continue to examine options to reduce costs and raise revenues.”

One story looking ahead to the summer is The Sun’s report claiming Newcastle will target Justin Kluivert if they lose Alexander Isak. Arsenal are among the clubs said to be interested in Newcastle striker Isak, although the Gunners could also make Bournemouth’s Kluivert a target as well.

Kluivert has shone lately and has netted 11 Premier League goals this season, while Isak’s league tally is 17.

“Eddie Howe knows he faces a massive fight to keep hold of Isak, who is wanted by Arsenal and Barcelona.

“The Swedish-striker is likely to stay at Newcastle if they can secure Champions League football. Otherwise he could be set for a massive mega-money move in the summer, with his current deal expiring in 2028.”

Speaking of Newcastle, The i Paper claims the club have the potential to spend £100m in the summer after a flurry of exits in the mid-season window.

Lloyd Kelly’s loan move to Juventus could turn into a £20m permanent transfer, while Miguel Almiron re-joined Atlanta United for around £9m, allowing Newcastle to focus on incomings in the summer.

“And with Newcastle now in the hunt for the top five and a potential Champions League place, a plan A and B are being assembled depending on whether the squad will need to be supplemented with a raft of younger players with potential to support the demands of a fixture list supplemented by European football.”