Man Utd immediately ‘open talks’ with next signing after Marcus Rashford departure set to be confirmed
Manchester United have shown interest in Marcus Rashford’s ‘replacement’ just hours after it emerged that the out-of-favour forward has found a new club.
Rashford, 27, was loaned to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, having fallen out of favour with Man United head coach Ruben Amorim.
It was initially unclear whether the pair’s relationship could be rekindled upon Rashford’s return to Old Trafford.
But based on the noises coming out of the club and the England international’s omission from United’s 29-man squad for the pre-season friendly against Leeds United in Sweden on Saturday, this does not appear to be the case.
Also on Saturday, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that Barcelona are advancing in their pursuit of Rashford, with the La Liga outfit having made an offer for a potential loan move which includes a proposed option to buy.
Of course, in May, Barca sporting director Deco made clear that Rashford was one of the players who he ‘likes’ alongside Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.
“We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players,” Deco told RAC 1, replayed by Mundo Deportivo.
When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team.”
And without officially stating that he wants to move to Barca, Rashford was full of praise for 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal during an interview in June.
Speaking on YouTube channel xBuyer, Rashford said: “He will be there for sure [in the future].
“It’s difficult to put into words what he’s doing because you’re not supposed to be doing that at 16/17 years old. I don’t think we’ve seen anything like it before.”
Eric Ruiz, who was hosting the Q&A session, then asked if he would like to play with Yamal.
“Of course I’d love to,” said Rashford. “Everyone in the world wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we’ll see.”
Who could replace Marcus Rashford at Man Utd?
Just hours after the news regarding Rashford’s proposed loan to Barcelona emerged, reports surrounding his potential replacement also filtered through.
As per Footmercato, both Newcastle and Man Utd are interested in Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, who spent the second half of 2024/25 on loan at Juventus.
During his loan spell in Turin, the France international impressed with ten goals and three assists in 22 appearances.
Kolo Muani, 26, is contracted to PSG until June 2028 but may find it tough to nail down a starting spot in Luis Enrique’s side after a successful treble-winning campaign, during which Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia impressed in forward positions.
The 26-year-old signed for PSG in a deal worth £76.4m in 2023 but has failed to live up to expectations so far in the French capital.
According to Transfermarkt, the player is now worth around €30m (£26.1m).
🚨 **Rashford Out, Kolo Muani In? Manchester United Target PSG Forward Amid Barca Loan Talks**
Manchester United have **set sights on Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani** as a **potential replacement** for Marcus Rashford, whose time at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain.
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### 🔁 **Rashford to Barcelona or Villa?**
* Rashford, 27, has been **loaned to Aston Villa** for the second half of the 2024/25 season.
* However, **Barcelona are now advancing** in their pursuit of the England international, offering a **loan deal with an option to buy**.
* Rashford recently hinted at admiration for Barca wonderkid **Lamine Yamal**, saying he’d love to play with him:
> *“Everyone in the world wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we’ll see.”*
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### 🧊 Amorim Fallout Confirmed?
Rashford’s **omission from United’s pre-season squad** against Leeds, coupled with reports of **poor relations with new boss Rúben Amorim**, signals a clear message:
📉 *He’s no longer in United’s immediate plans.*
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### 🔎 **Randal Kolo Muani: The Replacement in Sight**
United are **exploring a deal for 26-year-old Randal Kolo Muani**, per **Foot Mercato**. Newcastle are also monitoring the situation.
#### 🧠 Quick Profile:
* 📍 **Position:** Forward/Winger
* 🇫🇷 **Nationality:** France
* 🎯 **2024/25 (Loan at Juventus):** 10 goals, 3 assists in 22 games
* 📈 **Contracted to PSG until 2028**
* 💰 **Estimated value:** \~€30m (£26.1m), down from the £76.4m PSG paid in 2023
#### 📉 Why PSG Might Sell:
* Struggled to break into a **stacked PSG frontline**: Barcola, Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue are all preferred.
* PSG open to reshuffling, especially after winning the treble last season.
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### ⚔️ Kolo Muani vs Rashford – A Tactical Upgrade?
**What Kolo Muani offers Amorim’s system:**
* 🧠 High tactical IQ — well-suited for pressing and positional fluidity
* 🔄 Can play centrally or wide — similar versatility to Rashford
* ⚡ More consistent work-rate off the ball — something Rashford has lacked lately
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### 🧨 What This Means for United
United are clearly **planning for life without Marcus Rashford**, and Kolo Muani fits the profile of a **hungry, adaptable forward** Amorim favors.
With Rashford potentially joining **Barcelona** after a short stop at **Aston Villa**, expect movement soon if United can secure Kolo Muani at the reduced valuation.
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Would you like a **side-by-side stat comparison** of Rashford vs Kolo Muani or an **ideal front-three setup** with Muani in Amorim’s system?
