Marcus Rashford’s career at Man United looks to be over. The England international has been left out by Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad in each of the last five games.
Rashford was once labelled as the player that would get United back on top. However, attitude and disciplinary issues have quickly led to his off-field issues becoming a problem for United managers.
Rashford on repeat 🤤@ManUtd | #UEL pic.twitter.com/VSojwVkShW
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 31, 2024
Erik ten Hag kept faith with the 27-year-old, but the change in formation following Amorim’s arrival has meant there’s no place in the starting eleven for Rashford. He has spoken about taking on a new challenge, and a transfer away from the club would be welcomed by all parties. AC Milan has shown an interest in a loan move.
Losing a forward player would still be a worry for a goal-shy United outfit. The club will be looking at potential targets for either a January or Summer move. But which players would rank high on the Red Devils‘ agenda should Rashford depart the club?
Bryan Mbeumo
Bringing in a player who is able to quickly adapt to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation will be key when considering any potential signing. Therefore, Bryan Mbeumo ticks plenty of boxes for the Red Devils.
The Brentford star has already played in a wing-back position for the Bees this season and is often seen to best effect in one of the ten roles. Mbeumo is enjoying a stellar season for Thomas Frank’s side. He’s netted 13 goals and registered 3 assists in 20 Premier League outings.
Yoane Wissa 🤝 Bryan Mbeumo
Both of these @BrentfordFC stars have been in fine form this season! pic.twitter.com/Ui2Ha5orwj
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 6, 2025
Mbeumo’s pace is also an important trait that could suit this current United team, as it is void of speed across the field. However, a Winter move for United looks hard to achieve due to the financial restrictions they’re operating within.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been rumoured to be of interest to all of Europe’s heavyweights since starring in Napoli’s dominant title-winning campaign in 2022-23. The winger is a playmaking star for the Italian giants. He continues to record eye-catching numbers from the wide-left position throughout this season.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia vs. Parma. (Aug 31, 2024)
Every Single Action 🎬 pic.twitter.com/k7n9Iqj7mF
— 曼联球迷 (@_Utdbaki) December 10, 2024
Khvicha has already scored five goals and registered three assists for Antonio Conte in 17 appearances and averaged 2.02 key passes per game. He would be seen to best effect in one of the two number ten roles for Man United. His ability to run at pace with the ball is something that the current squad doesn’t possess.
Kvaratskhelia averages 1.1 dribbles per match in Serie A and draws an average of 1.9 fouls per 90. It is a move that would also appeal to United’s youthful approach, as the Georgian international is still only 23 years old.
Milos Kerkez
It could be argued that United are well-stocked in the number ten role, with Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho all viable options. Therefore, any money brought in could be used to secure the services of an attack-minded left wing-back so Diogo Dalot can move back to the right-hand side.
Alphonso Davies has been a name muted with a move to Old Trafford, but a more appealing option from a financial standpoint could come in the form of Milos Kerkez.
🚨🔴 Manchester United keep looking at LWBs as they’ve also added Denmark international Patrick Dorgu to their list.
⏫️ Milos Kerkez and Nuno Mendes, higher on the list but more expensive.
Dorgu, monitored by #MUFC scouts in the recent months.
Napoli are also keen on him. pic.twitter.com/YWsTHME7hD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 6, 2025
The wing-back has been one of the players of the season to this point and has impressed for Bournemouth at both ends of the field. The 21-year-old Hungarian has made an average of 1.4 tackles per game and 2.6 clearances per 90 in the Premier League this term.
However, his output in the final third has really caught the eye. Kerkez has already recorded one goal and three assists in 20 appearances and averages 1.1 key passes per 90 minutes. His natural ability in the 3-4-2-1 formation makes it an obvious move for the Red Devils. Once again, it appeases their approach to targeting younger stars who are likely to improve while at the club.
