Manchester United handed fresh boost in quest to sign 30-year-old Atletico Madrid star: Reports

Manchester United have reportedly received a huge boost in their ongoing quest to snap up Atletico Madrid star Reinildo Mandava in the near future.

Reinildo, who will turn 31 next month, has cemented himself as a vital squad member for Los Rojiblancos since leaving LOSC Lille for over £2 million in January 2022. He has made 91 total appearances for Diego Simeone's side so far.

However, the Mozambique international has dropped down in his club's pecking order in the ongoing season. He has started 10 of his 18 appearances across all competitions, acting as a backup to first-choice left-back Javi Galan.

Now, according to Spanish news outlet Fichajes.net, Atletico Madrid are willing to sell Reinildo in the upcoming January transfer window with the player's deal set to run out next June. As a result, United have been put on high alert now.

Should the one-time Ligue 1 winner join Manchester United, he could prove to be great short-term signing for them. He would offer much necessary depth at left-back as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both considered injury-prone.

Manchester United forward opens up on future

Addressing the recent reports suggesting he has been put up for sale by Manchester United, Marcus Rashford told reputed journalist Henry Winter in a recent interview (h/t Metro):

"For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps. When I leave, it's going to be 'no hard feelings'. You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person."

Sharing more thoughts on his uncertain future, Rashford opined:

"If I know that a situation is already bad, I'm not going to make it worse. I've seen how other players have left in the past and I don't want to be that person. When I leave, I'll make a statement and it will be from me."

Rashford, who made his senior debut for United in February 2016, added:

"I'm halfway through my career. I don't expect my peak to be now. I've had nine years so far in the Premier League and that's taught me a lot, that's helped me grow as a player and as a person. So, I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years. I won't have any regrets going forward because I take things day by day and sometimes bad things happen, sometimes good things happen."

The 27-year-old versatile forward has established himself as a crucial starter for Manchester United over the years. He has helped his boyhood club lift six trophies, including two FA Cups and one UEFA Europa League trophy.

Rashford, whose deal will expire in June 2028, has registered seven goals and three assists in 24 overall outings for his club in the ongoing campaign.