Man United ‘identify’ potential Marcus Rashford successor as winger linked with transfer this summer

Man United ‘identify’ potential Marcus Rashford successor as winger linked with transfer this summer

Manchester United have reportedly keen on PSG star Xavi Simons following an impressive loan spell at RB Leipzig.

While the Dutchman is abroad representing the Netherlands in Germany for Euro 2024, there is a lot of conjecture about his future because Arsenal, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich have all been linked to him as a transfer target.

With Rasmus Hojlund being the sole natural center-forward at the team after Anthony Martial left this month after his contract expired, United is reportedly searching for a new attacker this summer. Simons is a flexible player that can be used on either wing.

He is also capable of playing at number 10, which might be attractive considering Mason Mount’s disappointing rookie season marred by injuries and Bruno Fernandes, who turns 30 in September, missing his first-ever United games due to an injury near the close of the previous campaign.

A report from L’Equipe is linking United with interest in Simons, who mostly plays on the left flank and recorded 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 matches last term. Marcus Rashford had a poor season on the left flank last term, netting just eight goals across all competitions.

Alejandro Garnacho is now considered the first-choice pick there with Rashford benched for the final two games of the Premier League season, albeit he did start the FA Cup final after learning he had been omitted from England’s Euro 2024 provisional squad.

Meanwhile, Facundo Pellistri is being linked with a move to Brazilian giants Flamengo.

Journalist and fellow Uruguayan native Sebas Giovanelli claims the club hold an interest in the winger, who made his senior United debut 18 months ago.

The 22-year-old made 14 appearances for United, of which three were starts, during the first half of last season before earning consistent game time at loan club Granada, relegated from La Liga, from January onwards.

Pellistri, who soon enters the final year of his United contract, was due to go out on loan for the whole season before an injury to Amad changed Erik ten Hag’s plans.

He could be one name to be shown the Old Trafford exit door with Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to be ruthless in organising departures this summer with United close to Premier League spending limits