Marcus Rashford replacement shortlist emerges after transfer U-turn plea

Manchester United are enjoying a well-earned rest having been eliminated from the FA Cup by Brighton in the third round in recent months.

Michael Carrick and Manchester United are enjoying a prolonged break on the back of their 2-1 loss to Newcastle. United were not in FA Cup action over the weekend after being dumped out in January by Brighton.

Head coach Carrick suffered his first defeat in the Old Trafford hotseat last week when his side visited St. James' Park. A late William Osula goal made it 2-1 and secured all three points for the home side.

Next up for Carrick's men is a clash with fellow top-four hopefuls Aston Villa, where Marcus Rashford spent half of last season on loan. The Englishman is currently starring for Barcelona.

A £26million purchase option in the 28-year-old's deal is expected to be triggered by the Catalan club and a list of replacements United could eye up has been revealed. Mirror Football brings you the latest updates from Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford replacements shortlisted

Having arrived in Spain last summer on an initial loan, Rashford has impressed. He has 10 goals and 13 assists for Barcelona in all competitions so far this campaign.

Rashford has made a mark under Hansi Flick and the expectation is that Barcelona will take up the option to sign him permanently, whether that be the £26m reported clause or a lower negotiated amount.

Should Rashford wave goodbye, then United would likely look to purchase a replacement. According to speculation, there are five names on their shortlist.

United reportedly have RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and Como 1907's Jesus Rodriguez on their list, with Strasbourg winger Martial Godo also under consideration.

Additionally, United are thought to be monitoring Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, who can provide a one-on-one threat and Premier League experience. However, reports also highlight Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola as a leading candidate.

Casemiro U-turn plea

One United star who is almost certainly bidding farewell come the end of this season is Casemiro. The Brazilian star's contract is up in the summer and the club have already confirmed they will not be renewing it.

However, in the last few months, the 34-year-old has been performing at an incredibly high level and United legend Bryan Robson has pleaded with Carrick to U-turn on the decision to let him leave.

Robson told BoyleSports: "I would encourage Casemiro to stay. He's had a really good season this year. He's a top player. He's got a great football brain. He's a really good passer of the ball.

"He heads the ball well and when he goes in to tackle, he means it. You don't stay at Real Madrid for the amount of years he did and win Champions League titles if you're not an absolute top player.

"People see what you're really good at. So I think next season he could definitely give us a little bit more with his experience. He was great in Europe last year too."