Simon Stone on Rashford's Future and United Transfer Targets

Manchester United reporter Simon Stone answered questions about forward Marcus Rashford and the club's summer transfer agenda. Gary asked whether Rashford is leaving, and Stuart followed up on other potential signings. The interview was recorded for The Devils' Advocate podcast on BBC Radio Manchester. Michael Carrick has voiced support for Rashford, but Stone said he would be stunned to see Rashford start a United match again. Stone added that last summer the consensus was Rashford's Old Trafford future was over. He noted Barcelona's £26 million deadline on 15 June is looming, yet the Spanish club appears unwilling to meet the fee. Stone listed Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount as wing options and cited Benjamin Sesko's decent first season as a centre‑forward alternative. He said Rashford prefers not to play as a centre‑forward, so United have several positional choices. When asked about new signings, Stone named Elliot Anderson as United's top midfield target but warned that the club will avoid a bidding war and that Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is likely to set a high price. He said Lewis Hall is a left‑back option, yet competition from Patrick Dorgu would push him against Luke Shaw. Stone observed that Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and that Sandro Tonali is expected to leave, reducing the need for United to sell a prized young player. He also noted that Manchester City are monitoring Anderson, adding another layer to United's recruitment. Stone said Robert Lewandowski would fit the profile of an experienced forward to ease pressure on Sesko, but United are reluctant to meet his salary demands. He indicated that the three‑week gap between England's World Cup campaign ending and the start of pre‑season will be decisive for Rashford's fate. Stone promised further parts of the Q&A on Wednesday, which will examine Carrick's first full season and United's ownership.