Their new Rashford: Man Utd engaging in discussions to recruit “explosive” £61m star
There were numerous important departures at Manchester United over the summer, but one of the most noteworthy exits was Marcus Rashford. He has transferred to Barcelona on loan with an option for a permanent deal at the close of the summer, thereby concluding his remarkable career at Old Trafford.
The Wythenshawe-native made 426 appearances for his childhood club after breaking into the first team as a teenager, netting 138 goals and providing 79 assists. He was exceptional for about a decade, playing a vital role in securing two Carabao Cups, the Europa League, and two FA Cup titles for United.
Now, with Rashford having effectively moved on from the club, Manchester United is on the hunt for a fresh left-winger.
Rashford wasn’t the sole left-sided player to exit Old Trafford in the summer. Another academy product, Alejandro Garnacho, also departed for Chelsea, which has left United short in that position on the field.
Therefore, it’s not surprising to discover that United is actively searching for a new left-sided attacker. The Daily Mail reports that Ruben Amorim’s team ‘are now inquiring about’ agreement terms to bring RB Leipzig standout Yan Diomande in within the next few weeks.
However, executing this deal is likely to prove challenging. The Ivorian international is a sought-after player, with Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and Premier League competitors Tottenham Hotspur also expressing interest. Regarding the transfer fee, Manchester United’s owners INEOS, as well as other interested clubs, should anticipate a figure exceeding £61m to secure the winger.
Acquiring Diomande would undoubtedly represent a significant statement for the Red Devils. He is arguably one of the most esteemed young forwards worldwide and has quickly established himself as a pivotal figure for Leipzig during his debut season.
To date, the 19-year-old, who represents Cote d’Ivoire internationally, has participated in 16 matches for the Bundesliga team this season. During this period, he has scored seven goals and registered four assists, averaging a goal contribution every 94 minutes, which is truly an impressive statistic.
One of the most captivating attributes of Diomande is his lethal dribbling ability. Described as an “explosive” winger by football scout Antonio Mango, he excels in one-on-one scenarios, often isolating defenders before exploiting his speed and agility to advance on goal.
It’s interesting to reflect on the parallels between Diomande’s current form and Rashford during his teenage years. Amusingly, 1999 treble winner and fellow academy alum Nicky Butt mentioned that the now-Barca winger was an “explosive” talent in his youth as well. Much like the Ivorian, he showed great audacity in his pursuit of defenders.
In fact, the former United number ten enjoyed significantly more first-team action as a young player compared to Diomande. By his 20th birthday, Rashford had already accumulated 87 appearances, netting 26 goals. Strikes like those against West Ham United showcase that explosive quality Butt referred to.
The similarities between a young Rashford and Leipzig’s young star are quite evident, and the statistics further illustrate this. For instance, in the 2016/17 season, a campaign that saw the Englishman begin as a teen, he averaged 4.08 progressive carries and created 1.09 chances per 90 minutes. In contrast, Diomande averages 6.26 progressive carries and 1.41 key passes each game.
| Diomande vs Rashford | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stat (per 90) | ||
| Diomande (25/26) | ||
| Rashford (16/17) | ||
| Goals & assists | 0.81 | 0.6 |
| Goals per shot on target | 0.46 | 0.35 |
| Key passes | 1.41 | 1.09 |
| Passes into penalty area | 1.41 | 1.19 |
| Progressive passes | 6.26 | 4.08 |
Stats from FBref
When Rashford first emerged at Old Trafford, he was a dynamic attacking prospect who continued to excel well into his 20s. Now that he has departed, there isn’t a player of that type left at the club, whether it’s an experienced individual or an upcoming talent.
Nevertheless, signing Diomande could address that gap. He undeniably shares similar qualities with Rashford, possessing that previously mentioned explosive nature while also representing a danger in the attacking third. A fee of £61m is a reasonable price for such a gifted player in the current market, and he could introduce a fresh element to Amorim’s squad.
Published: 2026-01-02 13:15:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
