Manchester United are preparing to face Coventry City at Wembley on Sunday, April 21, in the FA Cup semifinal. Erik ten Hag’s team will be desperate to reach the final to bolster their chances of ending the season with silverware.
Meanwhile, striker Marcus Rashford has been advised to leave Old Trafford. Elsewhere, the Red Devils are interested in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on April 18, 2024:
Marcus Rashford advised to leave Old Trafford by former teammate
Former Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger believes Marcus Rashford could flourish with a move away from Old Trafford.
The English forward has been a shadow of his former self this season and has been severely criticised for his performances. Rashford has been linked with an exit from the club, despite signing a new deal last summer.
On The Overlap, Schweinsteiger said that the 26-year-old must deal with his frustrations better.
"I would love to see him in a better team where he gets the balls in the right moment. I'd love to see that. In the years in the past, you don't really see that.
"If he would play for a different team, maybe he would also increase his level a little bit more. He's still the player who can decide their games but he doesn't show it many times,” said Schweinsteiger.
He continued:
"Maybe he is also a little bit frustrated inside with how it is, you know. I think that first of all, he has to understand that he can also be the example. You can handle frustration differently.
"But someone needs to speak with him and tell him. Also, it has to come from his own - that's very important.”
Rashford has eight goals and five assists in 39 games across competitions this season.
Manchester United eyeing Jarrad Branthwaite, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are interested in Jarrad Branthwaite, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The English defender has been a revelation for Everton this season and has turned heads at Old Trafford. Branthwaite has appeared 35 times across competitions for the Toffees, all of which have been starts.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the Merseyside club are yet to set an asking price for the 21-year-old.
“Jarrad Branthwaite is having a fine season with Everton and we’re again seeing media reports of Manchester United being interested in the talented young centre-back, though other outlets are also suggesting he might be too expensive for them,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“The reality is that it’s still early days on this story – for sure Branthwaite is appreciated by Man United and is one of three or four names on their shortlist, but we’ll have to wait and see if this develops into anything more.
"As for Everton’s price, my understanding is that clubs are still waiting to understand Everton’s decision on the asking price. We have to wait for that.”
Romano also named Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Juventus defender Gleison Bremer and Benfica’s Antonio Silva as possible options for the Red Devils this summer.
“But as previously reported, United have been scouting important centre-backs like Jean-Clair Todibo, Gleison Bremer, Antonio Silva, as well as Branthwaite, and they could make at least one signing in that position this summer, or perhaps two, depending on what will happen with Raphael Varane,” wrote Romano.
Raphael Varane remains heavily linked with an exit from Manchester United this summer.
Red Devils yet to make Erik ten Hag decision, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are yet to make a decision regarding the future of Erik ten Hag, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Dutch manager has failed to impress this season despite investing a fortune in the squad since taking charge in 2022. The Red Devils could consider a new face unless things improve between now and the end of the campaign.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano said that Ten Hag has had conversations regarding his future with new minority owners INEOS.
“I think the season's final weeks will still be important to decide the future of Erik ten Hag. Everything is still open, and nothing is guaranteed at this point,” said Romano.
He continued:
“We have to wait for INEOS to decide, but, for sure, the situation between Erik ten Hag and INEOS will be discussed again at the end of the season because now is not the moment to make a permanent and final decision.
"But what ten Hag is saying in public is the reality that conversations took place. So this is something that we have to consider.”
Manchester United remain linked with former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Jule Lopetegui ahead of the summer.