Manchester United have identified three replacements for Marcus Rashford ahead of his expected exit in the January transfer window, according to reports. Ruben Amorim has exiled the 27-year-old forward, excluding him from his last four matchday squads after being unimpressed by his attitude and application in training and matches.
Rashford fuelled exit rumours a day after his omission from the derby victory at Manchester City by admitting he was ready for “a new challenge” and the “next steps.”
His comments seemingly irked Amorim, who subsequently snubbed him again against Tottenham, Bournemouth and Wolves.
After the woeful 2-0 defeat at Wolves on Boxing Day, the United head coach suggested that Rashford hadn’t improved since he initially laid down the gauntlet a few weeks ago.
“If he is not here, you can make your [own] mind up,” Amorim told Prime Video after the final whistle at Molineux.
“It is always going to be the same reason. We have to be the same professionals, the same guys, whether we win or lose. Losing, I have to be stronger. So I will continue with my idea until the end.”
And the Portuguese tactician has reportedly pinpointed three potential successors should Rashford walk away from Old Trafford next month.
According to CaughtOffside, United have shortlisted Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao and Brighton and Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma as targets.
Kvaratskhelia has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting wingers at Napoli, registering 30 goals and 29 assists in 106 appearances.
The 23-year-old has consistently been linked with a move away from Naples, and the Premier League is often mooted as a potential destination.
Williams is an attractive option following a stellar Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, given he is believed to have a release clause worth £48million.
Meanwhile, Mitoma is Premier League-proven but, aged 27, is significantly older than the prior two wingers and hasn’t regularly contributed to goals this season.
The report adds that United have set an initial asking price in the region of £50m for Rashford and are keen to cash in at the start of 2025.
Whether any of the England international’s suitors can afford such a fee, including his eye-watering £325,000-a-week salary, remains to be seen.
Amorim insists that the door is open for Rashford if the player wants it, but the writing now feels on the wall days before the transfer window opens.
The Portuguese tactician has both eyes on the future, though, and will only utilise players who fit his vision.
