Just in: Man Utd’s five-man shortlist to replace Rashford includes PL whiz and ‘most gifted player since Haaland’

With all signs pointing towards Marcus Rashford signing for Barcelona permanently this summer, Manchester United have compiled a five-man shortlist of potential replacements.Indeed, the boyhood Red has impressed club chiefs in Catalonia with his tremendous form since swapping the Red Devils for Barcelona last year.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYHow Marcus Rashford is faring for BarcelonaIn his 37 appearances across all competitions, Rashford has returned 10 goals and 13 assists in 2,075 minutes of action.He’s already claimed silverware in the form of the Spanish Super Cup, and is well in contention to win more, given Barcelona sit atop La Liga with a four-point advantage over Real Madrid and are in the last-16 of the Champions League, where they face Newcastle United.Reports had suggested that, in the event Michael Carrick was appointed as the permanent United manager, he would have liked to bring Rashford back to Old Trafford next season. However, the club’s hierarchy and the player believe it’s the right time to part ways.United begin scouring the market for Rashford successorsIn regard to the players being considered by INEOS, Spanish outlet Sport claims they are monitoring Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig), Jesus Rodriguez (Como), Martial Godo (RC Strasbourg), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain) and Iliman Ndiaye (Everton).Of the quartet, only the latter has proved himself in the English top flight, and signing Premier League-proven stars has been INEOS’ transfer preference over the last year – hence the acquisitions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both of whom have been impactful additions this campaign. Appearances Goal contributions Minutes played 57 17 4,431 (Ndiaye’s record in the Premier League for both Everton and Sheffield United)As for Diomande, he is set to become one of the most sought-after prospects of the transfer window if he keeps up his scintillating form.The 19-year-old has notched 11 goals and seven assists in 27 matches for Leipzig, all of which have come in his maiden season in Germany.One Red Bull representative even told Flashscore that Diomande is ‘the most gifted player within our system since Erling Haaland.’ 🇨🇮💥 𝐘𝐀𝐍 𝐃𝐈𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄́ (𝟏𝟗) vs Bayern Munich yesterday: • MOST DRIBBLES (8)• MOST DUELS WON (13)• MOST FOULED PLAYER (4X)• 86% Pass Accuracy • 100% Successful Take-Ons• 2 Touches In Opposition Box• 2 Clearances• 5 Ball Recoveries 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑 🪄 pic.twitter.com/9NonIeod9v — Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) February 12, 2026Along with Rashford, United will also be bidding farewell to another forward in the form of Jadon Sancho when his contract expires in June, spelling the end of a truly lacklustre five years on the books in M16.