5 players who could replace Marcus Rashford at Manchester United
Manchester United's problems continue to mount as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Marcus Rashford is considering his future at the club.
The report assumes significance, as it comes after the Red Devils' humiliating 4-1 defeat to rivals Manchester City in a Premier League fixture on Sunday (March 6) at the Etihad.
🏴 #MUFC 
Marcus Rashford is considering his future. He's concerned about his lack of game time, source close to Man Utd forward tell me - he's always been professional but he wants clarity. 🔴🏴 #MUFC
His current Manchester United deal runs out in June 2023. https://t.co/nYOvGld4W0
Despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood, the 24-year-old Englishman was unable to find a place in Ralf Rangnick's starting XI for the derby.
Since returning to full fitness after missing the start of the 2021-22 campaign with a shoulder injury, Rashford has struggled for form and playing time. The forward has started just two of Manchester United's last 11 league games, and has been an unused substitute on two occasions.
Marcus Rashford's poor form is one of numerous issues plaguing Manchester United
The England international has endured a torrid campaign so far, scoring just five times and registering two assists in 24 appearances. Rashford has just over a year left on his current contract (expiring in June 2023) with the Red Devils.
Amid fears over Paul Pogba's departure at the end of the season on a free transfer for a second time, United will be desperate to avoid a similar situation with another academy product in Rashford. The Englishman has made 295 appearances for the club, scoring 93 times, but is now a shadow of the youngster who terrorised defences a few seasons ago.
Rangnick said Cavani 'didn’t feel quite well enough to play'. The United manager could say that almost every week this season. Cavani missing 23rd #mufc game out of 38 today.
The Red Devils are reportedly looking to revamp their midfield in the upcoming transfer window.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's defence continues to falter, and the need for a new striker at the end of the season cannot be ignored either. With the likes of Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood, Edinson Cavani and even Cristiano Ronaldo facing uncertain futures, United are looking perilously light in attack.
On that note, here's a look at five players whom the Red Devils could look to replace Marcus Rashford with if the winger formally expresses his desire to leave the club:
#5 Anthony Elanga
Could Manchester United replace one academy graduate with another? One could argue that 19-year-old Anthony Elanga has already displaced Marcus Rashford in recent weeks.
The Swedish wideman has started six of United's last ten league games, and has three goals to his name in 16 appearances. Elanga, like Rashford, is usually deployed on the left flank, allowing the coaching staff to slot him straight into the lineup.
✍️2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ ✍️
Anthony Elanga has signed a new contract at United! 🔴
#MUFC
As mentioned before, United already have fires that need to be extinguished, especially in midfield. Perhaps the Red Devils would be wise to look within their own ranks rather than splurging to bring in a new face.
#4 Harvey Barnes
There is no doubting 24-year-old Harvey Barnes' talent. However, there are concerns over his fitness, as injury woes restricted his impact and development in 2021.
After enjoying a breakout year in 2019 and making his international debut in 2020, Barnes was rocked by a serious knee issue last year. However, with eight goals and seven assists in 30 appearances this season, the winger is beginning to rediscover his best form.
There have been questions about Leicester City's future under Brendan Rodgers. Hampered by injuries, the Foxes are currently 12th in the Premier League table. If their manager departs at the end of the campaign, it would not be a surprise to see Leicester lose some of their most highly rated players like Wilfred Ndidi, Harvey Barnes, Youri Tielemans and James Maddison.