Manchester United prepare to face Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoffs at the Camp Nou on Thursday (Friday 16). Erik ten Hag’s men arrive at the match in good form.
Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said that Alejandro Garnacho is close to signing a new contract at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Marcel Sabitzer has hinted that he’s open to a permanent stay with the Red Devils.
Along those lines, here’s a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories on February 13, 2023:
Alejandro Garnacho close to extra time
Alejandro Garnacho is close to closing a new deal with Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Argentine enjoyed a great season under Ten Hag at Old Trafford and is already shaping up to be a future superstar. His irruption has forced clubs across the continent to take notice.
Manchester United has already sent the proposal for a new contract to Alejandro Garnacho and his representatives, the talks are well advanced. 🔴🇦🇷 #MUFCImage rights and the final duration of the contract were among the points discussed, but Man Utd has always hoped to do it soon. https://t.co/GJswh10SqF
The Red Devils have moved quickly to put an end to speculation about the 18-year-old’s future.
They have already put a new contract proposal on the table, and the talks are at a very advanced stage at the moment. Manchester United are confident of keeping their prized asset at the club and are now working on image rights and contract duration.
Garnacho has registered four goals and six assists in 24 inter-competition games this season for the Premier League giants.
Marcel Sabitzer, open to permanent stay at Manchester United
Marcel Sabitzer has said he is happy at Old Trafford. The Austrian joined Manchester United from Bayern Munich on loan last month for the rest of the season and has hit the ground running. He has started two of his three games since he joined the Red Devils.
Marcel Sabitzer on his future: “He’s on loan to Man United at the moment, that’s all I can say. I like it here”, he tells Daily Mail 🔴 #MUFC“I feel very good here. I like the team, I like the club, the atmosphere at Old Trafford. We’ll see what happens in the summer.” https://t.co/H6xFpGefP4
Speaking after the win against Leeds United on Sunday (February 12), as broadcast by 90 Min, Sabitzer also said he is very comfortable with Ten Hag’s tactics.
“It’s a loan right now, that’s all I can say. I like it here. I feel very good here. I like the team. I like the club, the atmosphere at Old Trafford. We’ll see what happens in summer. It’s been a busy few days. I had to go in fast, but I enjoy it. I like it so far. The team received me very well,” said Sabitzer.
added:
“It was a bit of a cold start, but I had to intervene quickly due to Casemiro’s suspension. I’m ready for that and happy playing. you can feel it From the first moment I felt very good in the team, good spirit, good goals / We are a good team. It’s fun. The manager talks to me a lot, what he expects from me. I try to comply with that. I feel good about him and his tactics, and so far I like him.”
Sabitzer is likely to be in the mix when Manchester United take on Barcelona in midweek.
Erik ten Hag praises Marcus Rashford
Erik ten Hag has rated Marcus Rashford as one of the best players on the continent at the moment. The Englishman has been in top form with Manchester United this season and has been an integral part of their recent resurgence.
Marcus Rashford has scored 12 Premier League goals this season. He has only scored more league goals in a season once (2019/20). He returns to the best level of him. 🔥 https://t.co/mok235m55o
Speaking after the 2-0 win over Leeds on Sunday, as quoted by Goal, Ten Hag said he always knew the 25-year-old was destined for greatness.
“He is definitely one of them (the best players on the continent today). He convinced me (by him) from the first moment. I was really excited to work with him. I thought I could get more out of him. He has so many skills, such high potential, and I think that can be even more. When he works well, he will score even more goals because he can score with his right, with his left and with his head,” Ten Hag said.
added:
“You asked me: ‘Do you have a player in your squad who can score 20 goals?’ in August/September, and I confirmed it, I think he can do it. If you’re satisfied with that (scoring goals), it will stop, because you have to keep investing every day, keep the focus on every game and bring the energy and faith, then you will score.’ I don’t know where he will stop, but he has to go from game to game and during the week, do things well ”.
Rashford has racked up 21 goals and eight assists in 34 games in all competitions this season.