Rashford swap deal becomes apparent

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 24 Dec 2024 07:43 GMT
4 min read

Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, with the Frenchman’s future at the Ligue 1 club looking increasingly uncertain.

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The 26-year-old, who moved to PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt in September 2023 for has struggled for game time this season, starting just three Ligue 1 matches. His omission from the squad for PSG’s recent trip to Monaco has further fueled speculation about a January departure.

PSG head coach Luis Enrique recently hinted at Kolo Muani’s potential exit, stating:

"I could speak about it, but I won’t because my decisions say it all, even if, as I have said, all of my decisions can be changed."

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a winter move for Kolo Muani now seems "almost guaranteed." United, who have struggled to find consistency in attack this season, are reportedly among the clubs monitoring Kolo Muani’s availability.

Marcus Rashford adds intrigue to the potential transfer. The England international recently made headlines with comments suggesting he is ready to leave the club.

Current ETV

Marcus Rashford

F (CL), M (L)

Man Utd

Marcus Rashford

F (CL), M (L)

Man Utd

ETV Range

€40.6M - €67.7M

"For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps," Rashford told journalist Henry Winter. "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."

Rashford, who has been left out of recent matchday squads by manager Ruben Amorim, emphasized his desire to part ways amicably.

"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."

PSG’s potential interest in Rashford could pave the way for a swap deal involving Kolo Muani. The French giants have long admired Rashford and previously attempted to sign him at the end of the 2022/23 season before he committed to a new contract with United.

Amorim given carte blanche

Regarding Rashford's future, The Times reports that Amorim has been given complete freedom to act as he sees fit. Man Utd's hands-on club hierarchy, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will not interfere in the matter, it is claimed.

This is despite the fact that the INEOS chief effectively sacked sporting director Dan Ashworth just five months into the job after being unimpressed by his work. On the matter of Rashford, however, he will refrain from getting involved.

Ratcliffe is aware that Rashford's continued absence could cause 'potential damage' but the decision over how to proceed will rest squarely at the feet of head coach Amorim.

Man Utd are open to offloading Rashford, but Amorim previously claimed that they are a better team with him, so it will be interesting to see how the 39-year-old will act going forward.