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Apart from injuries, Manchester United were severely let down by the performance of their big-name players such as Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.
The Mancunian, fresh off of signing a new five-year deal, proceeded to have arguably his worst season in a red shirt, scoring only eight times in all competitions as opposed to the career-best 30 strikes he had notched in Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge.
Apart from his lack of goals, the workrate he put in during games did not impress the manager while fans were livid with the off-field controversies the Englishman found himself embroiled in.
Rashford is keen to stay at his boyhood club and even had a talk with the new co-owners while he also spoke to the manager with the pair’s relationship reportedly strained after what transpired last term.
Rashford out?
INEOS are open to moving him on should a big enough bid come their way with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly ready to reignite their interest in the United academy graduate.
His sale coupled with the possible departures of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial would mean the 20-time English league champions will need a new electric winger and as per CaughtOffside, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is a target.
The 23-year-old netted 12 times last season while also registering 11 assists. He was in the top seven percent for dribbles completed and in the top 10 percent for successful crosses among wingers in the English top flight (as per fotmob).
Gordon is not one to shy away from doing his share of defensive work and was also in the top 10 percent for duels won, tackles won and possession won back in the final third, skills Ten Hag rates very highly.
Dan Ashworth, confirmed to be joining as the new sporting director, already signed the England international for the Magpies a few years ago and he is keen on reuniting with the former Everton star at Old Trafford.
United will face significant competition for his signature from fierce rivals Liverpool, who are said to be in pole position currently, while Chelsea are also in the hunt.
However, the report also mentions that the Merseyside club have alternatives in mind should they miss out on the versatile winger and with Ashworth now at United, this could potentially hand the 20-time English league champions the advantage.
Liverpool vs United for Gordon
“Liverpool are continuing to pursue the potential transfer of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon this summer, though he’ll cost around £70-75 million to prise away from the Magpies, CaughtOffside understands.
“The England international is also wanted by Manchester United and Chelsea, even if it’s currently Liverpool showing the strongest interest, sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed CaughtOffside.
“Gordon is not the only name on Liverpool’s list, however, with alternatives in mind in case they fail to reach an agreement with Newcastle, who are no longer under as much pressure to sell players after a deal taking Yankuba Minteh to Brighton.”
The potential price might be too much for the Old Trafford side but if they end up moving on Rashford, a deal for Gordon could materialise. It would be a stunning capture if it indeed pans out.
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