Manchester United are still active in the transfer market with their opening Premier League match against Hull City on the horizon. But two of Michael Carrick's first-team players have become subject to shock speculation.
Carrick's First Season at the Helm
Having supplanted Ruben Amorim in January, Carrick performed miracles at United's helm last term, guiding them to a third-place finish and Champions League football. Pre-season ended, though, with a 4-2 defeat to Amorim and his AC Milan side, suggesting there is still work to be done in the market.
Only three senior signings have been completed this summer, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arriving to bolster the midfield and Karl Darlow signing as a backup goalkeeper. Youngster Tynan Thompson has also joined from Tottenham for £4m.
Galatasaray's Audacious Fernandes Bid
In a surprising development, Galatasaray are trying to lure club captain Fernandes to Turkey. Reports suggest they are prepared to double his wages and table an offer of £43m.
However, it is understood that United will promptly reject any such approach, viewing their skipper as completely off limits. His £55.6m release clause for overseas clubs expired in July.
Club sources have gone so far as to say that Fernandes is not available at any price this summer and that offers will simply not be considered. Fernandes' current deal runs until 2027, with the option of a one-year extension.
Rashford's Barcelona Return on the Cards
Rashford's future has also remained a constant talking point throughout this summer's transfer window, following the English forward's return to United after a loan stint at Barcelona.
The 28-year-old impressed in La Liga, but the Catalan club chose against making his temporary move permanent for £26m, opting instead to recruit Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £70m and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. Rashford was left in an uncertain position, with suggestions he could be fully reintegrated at Old Trafford ahead of the new campaign.
However, fresh reports indicate that Barcelona have not yet given up the chase. TEAMtalk claims Barcelona remain in dialogue with Rashford's representatives and, despite completing a string of attacking signings, continue to weigh up their options and could yet attempt to engineer a dramatic return.
Rashford rejoined United's training setup on August 9 following an impressive stint with England at the World Cup, and featured in their 4-2 defeat to AC Milan.
