Manchester United chief Omar Berrada has all but confirmed that Marcus Rashford will remain at Old Trafford this season, while the club are reportedly still pursuing Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde before the summer transfer window closes at 11pm tonight.
The Red Devils have already completed deals for Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow, spending almost £150million on new arrivals. United thrashed Ipswich Town 5-2 at the weekend, with a hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes, an own goal from Jacob Greaves and a lob from Bryan Mbeumo.
Rashford set to stay at Old Trafford
Rashford had been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona after impressing on loan last campaign. However, Barcelona opted against bringing him back to Spain, and he has since featured in both of United's opening Premier League fixtures against Hull City and Ipswich Town.
Speaking before the home win against Ipswich, Berrada wrote in the fixture programme: "We will have our new signings Andrey [Santos], Youri [Tielemans], Karl [Darlow], Tynan [Thompson] and Carlos [Baleba] here this afternoon."
"We know you will give them all a very warm welcome and get behind them as they begin their Manchester United journey. We’re also very pleased to welcome Marcus [Rashford] back to the team. We believe that they will all help to improve the squad as we compete on multiple fronts."
Carrick praises Rashford
Carrick has also praised Rashford following his performance against Ipswich. The United boss said: "He's adding to the group for us, for sure. I've known him for a while, and then he wasn't here when I've come back, and now he is."
"I think he's making the most of that for us and for him as well, to have the opportunity to be here. He's one of our own. He's living his dream, playing here now and trying to be successful and win. Whatever's gone on, I think part of this club, there's players that have come back sometimes, or players that maybe were going to leave, didn't leave."
"It's always about what you do next, and what your intentions are. He's been fantastic since he came back, I have to say, and it was great to see him on the pitch today for us."
Fresh Barcelona talks emerge
United are reportedly still keen on Balde as they aim to strengthen the left-back area. Lewis Hall was the main target for Carrick, but Newcastle made it clear the young defender was not for sale.
That led the club to turn their attention to the Barcelona full-back, with Fabrizio Romano claiming talks have taken place in Spain regarding Balde's future. While the £34m price tag is off-putting, Barcelona are open to letting the defender leave this summer.
Balde returned to the squad to face Athletic Club after missing the La Liga opener against Elche. However, Hansi Flick is yet to play the defender this season, and he could be on the move before the window shuts on Tuesday night.
