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United scouting 19yo “ridiculous” attacker who has set Serie A alight since January switch – report

Unlike targeting only high-profile stars for big money in the past, Manchester United now are eyeing young stars with the potential to grow as seen from deals for Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.

And with finances at a premium, the Red Devils could be about to target young players once again in the summer as INEOS look to supply Ruben Amorim with a consistent goalscoring option.

Assane Diao is a versatile attacker capable of playing in multiple positions across the frontline and United were eyeing him since his days in Real Betis.

But his improved form since his January switch to Como has made the Red Devils sit up and take notice with journalist Nicolò Schira revealing that United had sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old in action on Saturday.

Diao being scouted

“A Manchester United scout was at Sinigaglia Stadium yesterday to watch the game between Como and Empoli to monitor the winger Assane Diao (born in 2005),” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The winger has five goals from only 11 starts while he had managed only six strikes in the last two seasons combined for the Spanish side.

🚨 Excl. – A #ManchesterUnited’s scout was yesterday at Sinigaglia Stadium to watch the game between #Como and Empoli to monitore the winger Assane #Diao (born in 2005). #transfers #MUFC #mutd

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) March 29, 2025

The Lariani spent €12 million in the winter to bring him to Como and Diao has certainly repaid their trust with goals against Juventus and Napoli just to name a few.

Como drew with Empoli with manager Cesc Fabregas praising the Senegalese after the match, claiming he was the only player who was giving his all for the cause.

Impressive form

“The only player I liked today was Assane Diao, even though he only returned from international duty on Thursday. He was the only one who tried something,” the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder was quoted as saying.

Liverpool have also been credited with interest in the Senegal international in the past with the player currently valued at €25 million as per Transfermarkt with his deal valid until 2029.

Given his current “ridiculous” form, Como are likely to ask for a lot more should United come calling in the summer.

Diao had started his career at Cadiz before securing a move to Real Betis back in 2021. And despite interest from plenty of clubs, Fabregas lured him to Como in January with the player claiming it was a dream to play under the former Premier League legend.

Feature image Marco Luzzani via Getty Images


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Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

Wayne Rooney reveals the team he was poised to join before performing contract u-turn to stay at United

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has admitted he was “ready to go and play in Spain” before dramatically signing a new deal at Old Trafford, and confirmed that talks took place over a move.

United’s all-time top scorer famously rebuffed the club’s attempts to pin him down to a new deal in 2010, going so far as to submit a transfer request to force an exit.

And speaking to the BBC today, the 39-year-old said that he can see why Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold may be tempted by a move to Real Madrid, and “fair play to him” if he does sign for the La Liga giants.

Rooney named Real as one of three clubs who came in for him 15 years ago, alongside Chelsea and Barcelona. He also noted that Manchester City are often thought to have been interested, but “I don’t think that was ever an option for me.”

It’s a move that would have sent an already incensed fanbase into meltdown; when it looked like he was going to leave he had United fans protesting outside his house, although he explained that he had already agreed his new contract at this point.

Prior to that, though, he confesses that he could easily have quit Old Trafford.

“In my head, I was ready to go and play in Spain and some talks did take place,” he said, continuing that after initially looking set for Real it was ultimately their fierce rivals he imagined himself playing for.

“It was Barcelona whom I thought about the most, and how I might fit into their side alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.”

The thought of prime Rooney in that team is mind-boggling, and even though he decided to stay and make history at United he maintains that “Barca had an incredible team then and any player would have loved to have played in it.”

He notes that this is similar to how Alexander-Arnold may be feeling about joining up with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, which is “a massive opportunity” and one which he may feel “too good to turn down.”

Rooney, who won five Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and a Champions League with United, says that honours were always the most important thing to him.

“Winning trophies was the biggest reason I considered leaving United in 2010,” he said. “I was about to turn 25 and I was concerned about the direction of the club.”

Two of his league titles came after his contract stand-off was resolved, but in the longer term his concerns have proved legitimate.

On leaving his boyhood club Everton in 2004 in pursuit of silverware, he said: “I did not want to leave them when I did – I was devastated – but I would have moved on at some point, to try and better myself and win some trophies.”

His first league title came two seasons after joining.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images


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Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.

Man Utd: Greenwood ‘isn’t coming back’ under De Zerbi in £31m boost amid broken relationship

Mason Greenwood “isn’t coming back” for Marseille as Robert De Zerbi’s management of the former Manchester United star has been slammed in France.

Greenwood was suspended by United following accusations of domestic violence before moving to Getafe on loan for the 2023/2024 campaign, with his form for the La Liga side drawing interest from several top European suitors.

Marseille got the deal done for €26m and the move has paid off handsomely, with Greenwood managing 16 goals and three assists across 28 appearances in all competitions put Roberto De Zerbi’s side in the mix for Champions League qualification.

But Greenwood was benched for two games on the bounce by De Zerbi – defeats to Lens and PSG – and explaining his decision, the former Brighton boss hit out at the forward’s lack of “sacrifice”.

De Zerbi said: “No one can have more respect for him than I do. But that doesn’t change anything: I expect more from him. He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough.

“If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.”

Man Utd need to raise funds for a huge summer rebuild, and recent developments regarding Greenwood provided a potential boost as they have a 50% sell-on clause. They could earn around £31m amid interest from PSG.

De Zerbi poured cold water on exit speculation ahead of the clash with Reims, insisting he really adored Greenwood before putting him back in the starting lineup.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also claimed there’s not been any talks regarding a summer transfer.

He revealed: “Many rumours but nothing decided at this stage for Greenwood. There are not even negotiations with other clubs.”

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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👉 Man Utd accused of ‘devaluing’ star amid ‘crowdfunding’ transfer plea with ‘very high asking price’ set

But Greenwood’s return failed to turn Marseille’s fortune around, with the Ligue 1 side slumping to their third defeat on the bounce, allowing Monaco to move above them into second place in the table and casting doubt over their ability to stay the course and reach the Champions League next season.

Nice and Lille are now both just two points behind Marseille, while Strasbourg are one point behind them.

And After Foot columnist Daniel Riolo hit out at De Zebra’s management of Greenwood after the 3-1 loss to 15th-placed Reims, claiming the United academy graduate “isn’t coming back” and is “no longer there”, presumably in reference to him seeking an exit having been dropped.

Riolo wrote: ‘You play Reims who don’t beat anyone… You lose 1-0 because you’re robbed, but here, no, you conceded three and that follows a very bad run. Greenwood isn’t coming back, he’s no longer there. De Zerbi’s management with Greenwood isn’t working.’

United ready to launch ambitious move for one of Serie A’s best midfielders, player keen to join – report

Manchester United are interested in signing Hakan Calhanoglu from Inter Milan, as per reports.

Bruno Fernandes has carried the bulk of the creative burden at United under Ruben Amorim.

With the ageing Christian Eriksen struggling to cope with the Premier League’s physicality, Amorim has even used Fernandes in deeper areas to progress the play.

However, the United skipper should be ideally played as close to the goal as possible so that he could make use of his incredible ball-striking on a frequent basis. It seems the club’s hierarchy want to make that happen by trying to find a new creative player to feature in the middle of the park.

Manchester United keen on Hakan Calhanoglu

According to Fichajes, United have set their sights on Calhanoglu, who is one of Inter’s most important players.

The Turkey international, who mostly played as an attacking midfielder at his previous clubs, has been used as a deep-lying playmaker by Simone Inzaghi this term.

Still, he has been directly involved in 13 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.

It is claimed that United are looking to sign a player who would add creativity to their midfield and Calhanoglu ” fits that profile perfectly.”

Despite his importance to the Nerazzurri, the Red Devils are prepared to make a push for his signing in the summer.

Inter want to keep hold of the 31-year-old, who is tied to the club until 2027. Still, a strong offer could force them to consider his exit due to their difficult financial situation.

Further, the Turkish star finds the possibility of playing at Old Trafford appealing. Accordingly, United are willing to present a “convincing proposal.”

Having said that, United find themselves in a position where they will have to replace veterans Eriksen and Casemiro imminently. As such, a move for another player in his 30s would not make much sense for Ineos.

Featured image Marco Luzzani via Getty Images


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Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!

From Italy: Serie A giants plotting €50m offer for United’s “new Pogba” seen as perfect successor to another former Red Devil

Manchester United could lose multiple big-name players in the summer as INEOS look to raise enough capital to sufficiently back Ruben Amorim in the transfer window.

Given the need for a striker, midfielder, wingback and possibly even a defender and goalkeeper, it is clear multiple player sales will be required given the current financial mess United find themselves in.

Selling academy graduates represent pure profit, which is why both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho could find themselves on the chopping block.

The England international is yet to agree a contract extension with the club and his wage demands have meant the co-owners are mulling over a sale.

Inter want Mainoo

He has suitors in the Premier League but as relayed previously by The Peoples Person, the 19-year-old prefers a move abroad.

Inter Milan have been mentioned as a possible destination with the Italian giants looking at the Carrington graduate as a possible replacement for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, formerly of United.

However, the Nerazzurri are not exactly flush with cash and they are always on the lookout for free agent deals but as per Inter Live, the Stockport-born star will cost around €50 million.

“Marotta , in fact, has set his sights on a player who, in the chaos and failures of the English team’s last seasons, could be sold to raise money next summer.

€50 million offer

“Inter set their sights on Mainoo: the new Pogba for the Nerazzurri. He hasn’t left his mark in terms of goals or assists, but he’s good in both phases of the game, as a box-to-box midfielder and good at dribbling. He would therefore take Mkhitaryan’s place in Inzaghi’s chessboard.

“Inter are waiting for the evolutions for his future and if Manchester United decided to sell him, they would try to bring the boy to Milan.

“There are problems: Mainoo would not arrive as a free agent, given that he is tied to the Red Devils by a contract until 2027 with an option for another year. His valuation would still be very high, around 50 million euros, and other big English clubs could focus on the midfielder, already in the national team.”

What the report gets wrong is Mainoo’s valuation. United will never let go of their golden boy for such a meagre amount and they will like to earn close to £80 million, a fee far beyond Inter’s means.

Whether INEOS will prefer a deal with a foreign club for a lower fee in a bid to avoid strengthening a direct rival will be interesting to see.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

Man Utd accused of ‘devaluing’ flop amid ‘crowdfunding’ transfer plea with ‘very high asking price’ revealed

Manchester United have been accused of “devaluing” Antony, while Old Trafford chiefs have set a ‘very high asking price’ for the winger.

The Brazil international joined Man Utd for around £86m during the 2022 summer transfer window and failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils massively overpaid to sign Antony after former boss Erik ten Hag insisted on a reunion with the winger and he fell in the pecking order at the start of this season.

Head coach Ruben Amorim sanctioned Antony’s exit during the winter transfer window, joining La Liga outfit Real Betis on loan until the end of this campaign.

Antony has returned to form for Real Betis, grabbing four goals and four assists in his 12 appearances in all competitions.

READ: Ranking the Premier League ‘Big Six’ by magnitude of their 2025 summer rebuild

Real Betis sporting director, Manu Fajardo, believes Antony has been “spectacular” after Man Utd “devalued” him.

“Here, we work on ‘devalued players, analysing data from players who have reached very high moments and peaks, but who for various reasons have significantly decreased their performances,” Fajardo said.

“In Antony’s case, he has performed since minute one at Betis.

“The player quickly integrated into the project and has demonstrated spectacular performances since his arrival.”

Real Betis star Isco added: “We hope that Antony will remain at the club, but in football, nothing can be taken for granted. We need to do crowdfunding to bring Antony in!”

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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👉 Man Utd rumoured to be unnamed Premier League side to make £50m ‘offer’ for Barcelona star
👉 Ten transfer requests welcomed by Premier League clubs ahead of the summer window

Meanwhile, Antony admits he “experienced bad things” at Man Utd after his “best decision” to join Real Betis.

“Seville reminds me of many things in Brazil: the sun, the food and the people,” Antony said. “It’s very important for people who come from my country.

“I needed to find myself and be happy. Every day that goes by, I think it’s the best decision I could have made.

“I learned a lot of good things at Manchester United , but I also experienced a lot of bad things there.”

A report from Fichajes claims Man Utd have set a ‘very high asking price’ for Antony.

‘Manchester United invested €95 million in his signing in 2022, and although his time in the Premier League hasn’t been what they expected, the English club is unlikely to accept losing too much money on a hypothetical sale.

‘The figures being discussed for a permanent transfer are around €35 ​​or €40 million, an amount that Betis will have to study carefully.

‘The winger’s future will depend on negotiations between both clubs and the player’s own wishes. His desire to remain in Seville is evident, but the final decision will rest with Manchester United and Betis’s financial capacity to afford a move of this magnitude.’

United slash asking price to €35m for wantaway star who is enjoying incredible form on loan – report

Manchester United have set their price tag for Brazilian winger Antony ahead of the summer transfer window, as per reports.

Antony has impressively turned around his fortunes since joining Real Betis in January.

Seen as one of Erik ten Hag’s biggest transfer misjudgments, the ex-Ajax superstar found himself on the fringes of the first team at Old Trafford under the very same manager who spent €95 million to secure his services.

Ruben Amorim’s arrival only pushed Antony further down the pecking order and eventually saw United ship him off to Seville in a loan deal for the remainder of the season.

Under Manuel Pellegrini, the Brazilian instantly cemented his place in Betis’ starting lineup, having rediscovered his form and confidence that made him a sought-after talent at Ajax.

In just 12 appearances for Los Verdiblancos, the 25-year-old has amassed an eight-goal involvement.

Antony, who delivered an incredible performance in his side’s 2-1 win over fierce rivals Sevilla over the weekend, has established himself as a fan favourite at the club and there’s clear intent to retain his services for a longer period.

The Brazil international has also suggested he is very happy in Spain and it is understood that he desires to continue at Betis.

However, it is not going to be easy for the La Liga outfit to find an agreement with United.

According to Fichajes, the Premier League giants are looking for a fee of between €35m and €40m to strike an agreement over a permanent transfer.

The Spanish outlet claims that Betis will have to “study” the amount “carefully”.

The club’s most expensive signing to date remains Denilson, who joined them from Sao Paulo in 1998 in a €30m deal.

Such has been Antony’s impact at his new club that his teammate Isco called for a crowdfunding campaign to fund a transfer following the 2-1 triumph over Sevilla.

Featured image Fran Santiago via Getty Images


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Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!

Amorim’s clear view on loanees

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Amorim’s clear view on loanees

ManUtd.com reporter Adam Marshall at Old Trafford.

Monday 31 March 2025 15:25

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has made his view on the players out on loan very clear.

Speaking in his press conference to preview our return to action at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, the boss was asked about Marcus Rashford getting off the mark for Aston Villa with two goals in their 3-0 Emirates FA Cup quarter-final win at Preston North End.

With a number of Reds currently out on loan, and gaining plenty of attention, including Antony, who is performing well for Real Betis, Ruben explained how it is very much a positive that this is the case.

See what he had to say to the journalists assembled at the Jimmy Murphy Centre below…

Part one: Press conference v Forest Video

Part one: Press conference v Forest

Press conference part one | Ruben is back! Get the latest on injuries, our return to action and Nottingham Forest away…

In terms of the team, we saw the training footage and certain players were returning, will they be available for match tomorrow?
“Luke [Shaw] is not ready yet we are starting doing some drills with the team. But we are getting Luke, Mason [Mount] is feeling better, he was already on the bench in the last game. I think Kobbie [Mainoo] is almost returning also but not ready for this game. Jonny Evans is recovering, Ayden [Heaven] is recovering. Who else? Licha [Lisandro Martinez] is out, as you know, I think that’s it. [Harry] Maguire is also ready to go to the game. [Leny] Yoro, yes.”

With Ayden, obviously there was a lot of concern when he went down. How severe does that look?
“It was not so serious, so he is recovering. He is not ready to play but he is going to return this season for sure.”

You went into the break probably on the best little run that you have had. Does that mean you can pick up where you left off now that players are coming back? Are you more confident?
“I think that, yes, you can say that I am really confident. I feel the players are more confident, the energy is different. I also know this could change with results so we are focusing on maintaining the energy. We work on some things as have a lot to improve, even winning the games, we can acknowledge we have a lot to improve. But we are in a different moment, more confident and we are ready for the final two months of the season.”

What targets do you set for the rest of the season?
“I don’t know which place we are going to finish in but we are looking up and we want to win games. And, with this, we still have matches to finish in a different position. Like you said before, we are with more confidence so we are looking to win games and that is our focus at the moment.”

Just looking at the schedule, it’s obviously Forest tomorrow and then it’s Manchester City on Sunday. Lyon in the first leg, then Newcastle away and then the second leg against Lyon. So it’s a really busy schedule for you, with so much to still be achieved…
“It’s also really exciting, with really tough matches. We already had in the last weeks that kind of schedule with less players so it’s really important to have all the players available and for them to fight for us and to rotate. Different characteristics give us different opportunities to win football matches. It’s a very good moment in our season, we have at least three Premier League matches that are really tough but the team is prepared to face those games. Also the Europa League is a key point for us in the final run.”

Marcus Rashford has obviously said he’s getting better, he feels he’s playing better as well. From what you see from him are you impressed by what you’re seeing? Also, if he’s going to continue that improvement, what impact could that have on your thinking, when it comes to the summer?
“Like you said, we have a lot of things to play for and my focus is on my team, my players and Rashford is not my player at the moment. But everybody that performs well on loan is good news for our club. So we are happy with that.”

Nuno Espirito Santo is doing a very good job at Forest, somebody you know and have come across, so what do you think of the work he’s doing there?
“First of all, I’m not surprised because I know the work that he did in Portugal and in Spain. I know that he did really well here with Wolves. He went to Tottenham and started really well but then things happened. I’m not surprised, I know he’s a top manager. When you feel it in the team, in the environment that they have. When you see his team play, you can see the energy, they are so happy, they have mobility. So, like I said in the beginning, I’m not surprised as he’s a top manager.”

They played 120 minutes on Saturday evening and you haven’t played for 14/15 days. Will that be a factor tomorrow?
“I don’t know, of course Nuno will say that it was better to have more time to prepare [for] the game. I can say that we are a long time in a good moment without games but they play in that cup stage and they won and that is really important to recover the players. The environment will be really nice as they are doing amazing, and we want to continue to win games.”

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ManUtd.com reporter Adam Marshall at Old Trafford.

Monday 31 March 2025 15:25

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‘Take a seat’ for the WSL derby

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Communications Department

Monday 31 March 2025 14:50

One red seat sells another as Manchester United Women place a series of red seats across Manchester to invite supporters and non-supporters alike to ‘take a seat’ and fill the stadium for the derby clash in May

Marc Skinner’s side are inviting everybody to ‘take a seat’ by placing a series of red seats across the city-centre, including one supersized red chair in St Anne’s Square, where players Dominique Janssen and Melvine Malard appeared alongside fans.

Up until matchday, supporters and non-supporters alike will be encouraged to seek out the red chairs of Manchester to secure a ticket to the end-of-season derby clash at Old Trafford on Sunday 4 May.

Adult and junior tickets are priced at only £10 and £7.50 respectively.

United hope that this activity will bring all of Manchester together behind not just a vital end-of -season game but also cement the city as women’s football’s biggest supporter.

Click here to book your tickets.

GO SOCIAL & WIN

The campaign is being supported through a multi-channel campaign, including social, PR and UGC, through #TAKEASEAT.

Locate and snap a selfie with one of the 12 red chairs over the next four weeks, for your chance to watch Manchester United Women’s team train at Carrington.

Simply tag @manutdwomen and use the hashtag #TAKEASEAT.

Keep an eye out for our red seats at top Manchester spots, including Kargo Market (Media City), Freight Island, Diecast, NQ64, Frog & Bucket, Nell’s NQ, House of Fu, Ezra & Gil, Rewind NQ, The Seven Oaks Pub and Creatures of the Night Comedy Club.

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Monday 31 March 2025 14:50

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Man Utd transfers: United warned by president after scouting ideal replacement for £42million star

Manchester United have identified a new target to play out wide for next season, but it may well be a difficult business decision to pursue.

With the club hoping to reunite Ruben Amorim with the highly-rated youngster Giovani Quenda, they were beaten to the punch by Chelsea, who wrapped up a £42million deal ahead of the summer window last month.

Quenda would have been the perfect addition to play in Amorim’s wing-back system which he has only been able to add one player to since arriving at the club. Given there is set to be a mass exodus of players, he will have to ensure that his squad is built in his image ahead of next season.

One player they have since identified as a replacement for Quenda is Como’s Assane Diao. The 19-year-old has shone since joining Cesc Fabregas’ side and he has scored seven times and provided three assists for both Real Betis and Como this season.

He found the net five times in his first eight Serie A appearances and is a talented player who recently made his debut for the Senegal national team and looks to be on upwards trajectory.

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reports that the club has started looking at Diao and has claimed that a United scout was in the stands when Como drew 1-1 with Empoli.

It remains unclear whether Como would be open to selling Diao at this stage having just signed him, and both Fabregas and club president Mirwan Suwarso have been vocal about maintaining the club’s current course. 

“We have no intention of selling any of our players, at least not in the near future,” Suwarso told Calcio e Finanza last month. “Maybe in three or four years – because it would be naive to say that player sales aren’t part of the business. And we’re not short on money – we are well-backed.”

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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👉 Man Utd accused of ‘devaluing’ star amid ‘crowdfunding’ transfer plea with ‘very high asking price’ set

Amorim’s wide options

Wide players only exist in Amorim’s system as wing-backs, tasked with joining attacks but also requiring great pace and energy to help the team in a defensive shape. It is one reason why a player like Alejandro Garnacho, a typical attacking winger in a 4-3-3 setup, has struggled as he was forced into an inside forward role in the 3-4-3 formation.

Jadon Sancho, Antony and Marcus Rashford will all likely be sold this summer and one of Joshua Zirkzee and Ramsus Hojlund are speculated to exit as well leaving plenty of room for new recruits.

As it stands, there haven’t been many links to players in those positions, but they have been linked with striker reinforcements such as Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who has 19 goals this season.

They still have Luke Shaw to eventually return to the fray but they are lacking true, natural players to feature in this system.