United plotting ambitious swap deal, ready to use Rashford to sign exceptional 20-yo midfielder – report

Manchester United are considering the possibility of swapping Marcus Rashford with Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlovic, as per reports.

Rashford has enjoyed a lively start to his Aston Villa career, impressing many with his intense approach and nutmegs in his first two games for Unai Emery’s side.

However, it remains unclear if Villa will activate the £40 million clause in his deal to make his stay in the Midlands permanent.

Further, the way Ruben Amorim treated Rashford before his loan exit, it is tough to see him returning to United’s first team after the end of his loan spell at Villa.

United are seemingly exploring different options to resolve the Englishman’s future and might use him to strengthen their midfield.

According to CaughtOffside, United are “exploring a potential swap deal” involving Pavlovic and Rashford.

The 20-year-old defensive midfielder has emerged as one of Bayern’s most promising players under Vincent Kompany, impressing with his positional awareness and technical ability. He has made 20 appearances across all competitions this term so far.

It is claimed that United’s recruitment team believes that Pavlovic would help solidify their midfield in Amorim’s system and that they could build their squad around the German.

Casemiro’s physical decline has made him a fringe player at United and Manuel Ugarte lacks composure to dictate the play from deep.

The Red Devils’ budget for the summer transfer window is expected to be very limited due to PSR restrictions.

As such, United could offer Rashford plus cash to lower Bayern’s asking price for their star midfielder, who is contracted to the Bavarians until 2029.

The Bundesliga giants are understood to be looking for attacking reinforcements and have been linked with moves for Antony and Mason Greenwood in recent days.

Feature image Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images

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