Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford return would come at huge cost as JJ Gabriel statement made

Manchester United have Champions League qualification on the mind as the Premier League run-in continues

Manchester United will require their entire squad to be at their best as the Premier League run-in reaches the wire. Michael Carrick’s side have been battling some tough injuries, with Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs De Ligt and Patrick Dorgu all missing in recent weeks.

Thankfully, Mainoo’s injury was a minor knock and he missed just one game in the 2-1 defeat to Leeds United. However, Dorgu has been out since his wonderstrike against Arsenal in January and is “not ready” to compete as of yet.

De Ligt last featured for United in November with a back problem continuing his time on the sidelines. Carrick has had to look to other key players to shoulder the pressure at Old Trafford and is keen to keep his steady run as interm manager going.

Here, Mirror Football has the latest coming out of the red side of Manchester.

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Marcus Rashford’s costly return

United may lose out on millions if Barcelona don’t choose to sign the forward permanently. The United academy graduate is currently on loan to the Spanish giants and there is a clause in his deal that allows Barca to confirm a permanent deal for £26million.

However, the 28-year-old’s future is currently up in the air with talks not yet started on his future in Spain. Barcelona are currently identifying other options up top, including Atletico Madrid duo Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth.

If the La Liga leaders choose not to secure Rashford’s signature, he will head back to Old Trafford and return to United’s wage bill. As one of the club’s top earners, his salary would be a huge addition to the squad – with his £315,000-a-week pay reinstated if the club qualify for the Champions League, as per the Daily Mail.

As well as this, the club risk missing out on the £26m option to buy clause if Barcelona choose not to extend the forward’s stay in Spain.

However, with no permanent manager chosen to lead United, Rashford’s future may take another twist in the near future.

JJ Gabriel statement made

Rio Ferdinand has made the claim that JJ Gabriel is “the future” of United following his stellar contribution in the FA Youth Cup. The 15-year-old found the net during the U18s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the semi-finals and was instrumental throughout.

Chido Obi netted the winer in extra time to send the youth side to the final, where they’ll face neighbours Manchester City. Following his impressive appearance in the match, United legend Ferdinand was full of praise for the teenager.

In a tweet on X, the Old Trafford hero wrote: “Well worked by Chido Obi… calmly finished by JJ! The future @ManUtd. Movement in behind. Pass. Simple game! Congrats to Fletch & the boys… great feeling!”

The impressive Gabriel certainly made a statement with his performance as he looks to break into the senior squad next season. United have a deep history of promoting their youth prospects to the first team, with Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford all successfully making the step up, to name just a few, and Gabriel could make his debut early in the next campaign in line with Premier League rules.

With Gabriel shining and other stars like Kai Rooney also making waves in the academy, it seems like the club are set to continue this tradition of creating their own heroes from a youth level all the way through to the first team.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.