Your Manchester United morning headlines for Friday, March 18.
Marcus Rashford wanted by Barcelona
Barcelona have expressed their interest in signing Marcus Rashford amid uncertainty over his role at Manchester United. A source close to Rashford says the 'phone hasn't stopped ringing' since it emerged he was considering his future at United after he was left out of the Manchester derby defeat at City on March 6.
Despite the development, it is understood deep down Rashford does not want to leave United and the move could spur the club into opening discussions over a new long-term contract. The 24-year-old academy graduate and is just three matches shy of making 300 appearances for the Reds.
READ MORE: Erik Ten Hag is Manchester United's preferred managerial candidate
Barcelona showed interest in Raheem Sterling prior to the January transfer window but a move never come to fruition. However, they have wasted no time in trying to acquire the England international.
Click here for the full story from Chief Manchester United writer Samuel Luckhurst.
Ralf Rangnick's important change to the Manchester United squad
There is a lot of time for reflection in the weeks ahead. Manchester United have five days off before the start of the international break and then the best part of a fortnight before they return to action again.
Elimination from the Champions League this week took away any chance of this season being remotely linked with success. Instead United's hopes rely on a top-four finish when they should have been aiming for the Premier League title.
The manner of United's defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday once again highlighted the mentality issue within the star-studded squad as Ralf Rangnick's side failed to deal with the dark arts cast against them, which prevented their only chance of success from moments of magic.
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