"He is a tough and brave defender" - Barcelona star Lamine Yamal names Manchester United target as his toughest opponent

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has named Manchester United target David Raum his toughest opponent. Yamal has seen a phenomenal rise to stardom after breaking into Barca's first team in August 2023.

Yamal has established himself as one of the finest young players on the planet and is already a key player for Barcelona and Spain. He played a pivotal role in helping Spain secure the UEFA European Championship in 2024.

The Barca wonderkid has come up against some of the best defenders in world football while playing for his club and country. On being asked who is the toughest defender he has come across, the 17-year-old named Manchester United target David Raum. The Barcelona sensation told Tuttosport, as quoted by Metro:

"David Raum, the left-back of Germany and Leipzig. He is a tough and brave defender. At the European Championship, he proved to be a difficult opponent to beat."

Spain and Germany squared off in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with Spain winning 2-1 after extra time. Florian Wirtz scored a late equalizer to cancel out Dani Olmo's opener but Mikel Merino's 119th-minute strike helped La Roja progress to the semis.

Raum is a left-back who plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and as well as for Germany at the international level. The 26-year-old is known for his tenacity, physicality and ability to create chances.

The left-back has been a key player for RB Leipzig since his switch from TSG Hoffenheim in 2022. He has so far made 90 appearances for the Bundesliga giants scoring thrice and providing 16 assists.

As claimed by Metro, Manchester United have identified Raum as a good fit for their 3-4-3 system under Ruben Amorim. The Germany international, contracted at the Red Bull Arena until 2027, has also been linked with a switch to Bayern Munich.

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Barcelona approach Manchester United regarding loan deal for out-of-favor star: Reports

Barcelona have reportedly established contact with Manchester United regarding a loan offer for Marcus Rashford. As reported by Football Transfers via Caught Offside, the Blaugrana want the Englishman on loan with the option of a permanent deal for £35 million.

Rashford has gone out of favor at Old Trafford following the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim. The 27-year-old was excluded from the Red Devils' matchday squads in the last two games.

The wide forward is understood to be ready to leave his boyhood club and is open towards a move to Camp Nou. However, Manchester United are not convinced by Barcelona's £35 million valuation of the attacker.