Man Utd weigh Rashford call as injuries bite before Chelsea

Ex-United midfielder James Weir, who debuted in the 3-2 win over Arsenal in 2016, retired in 2024 after spells in England and abroad and now runs a bespoke travel agency.
JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi struck as Man Utd U18s beat Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra-time at Old Trafford to reach the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City in early May.
United face Chelsea without suspended Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, long-term absentee Matthijs de Ligt and now injured Leny Yoro, who could miss the rest of the season. Heaven may partner Mazraoui or Shaw.
With Casemiro set to leave, Louis Saha urges an ‘elite’ replacement. Options touted include Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
Cole Palmer dismisses Man Utd links, saying he has ‘no plans’ to leave Chelsea. He and Reece James have spoken to the owners about signings. Palmer targets FA Cup progress and a Champions League spot.
Harry Maguire pursues a Supreme Court appeal in Greece over his 2020 Mykonos case, risking legal costs up to £100k. He has agreed to stay at Manchester United another year on reduced wages.
FPL preview for Chelsea vs Man United with predicted XIs and absentees ahead of the 20:00 BST kick-off on 18 April in Double Gameweek 33.
Preview tips Chelsea vs Man United as a likely high-scoring draw, citing this fixture’s many stalemates and United’s suspensions for Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
Keeper Radek Vitek says he ‘couldn’t turn down’ Man United but will not sit behind Senne Lammens. After loans, he is first choice at Bristol City and wants regular games before discussing next season.
Chelsea’s Liam Rosenior says Jamie Gittens and Filip Jorgensen have no return dates before facing Man United, with Gittens’ hamstring setback and Jorgensen’s groin issue keeping them out.
On-loan keeper André Onana hit out at former Cameroon players on TikTok, alleging ‘manipulation’ and unpaid sponsor bonuses. Trabzonspor plan to move him on, with Man United valuing him at €45-50m.
Brief suggests Carrick may bench Amad for a different wide option dubbed ‘new Di Maria’ as Man United visit Chelsea seeking to cement a top-five spot.
Man United are monitoring Real Madrid’s David Alaba, 33, ahead of a possible free transfer. His versatility and leadership appeal, though injuries and availability are concerns.
Emmanuel Petit says snubbing Man United to join Chelsea was his ‘biggest regret’, revealing he chose London for family reasons despite wanting Old Trafford.
Besiktas striker, formerly of Celtic and Genk, is linked with Man United and Tottenham after 7 goals in 10 since a €14m move, following a failed €28m Stuttgart switch due to medical issues.
QPR and Norwich plan summer loans for Man Utd left-back Harry Amass, 19. After spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich, his injury may prompt another Championship move as United seek regular minutes for him.
Michael Carrick says no decision yet on Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd future amid Barcelona loan with £26m option. Barca are hesitant, United will not cut fee, and are assessing left-wing targets like Yan Diomande.
Man United and Chelsea are frontrunners for Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki. United’s Champions League push gives them an advantage, though the 21-year-old under contract to 2030 could cost over €30m.
Carrick says ‘there are decisions to be made’ on summer recruitment, with Man United discussing two midfielders plus a left-back and left-sided attacker, while his own future and timing remain unresolved.
Report claims Man United have held talks over a £40m midfield target described as having ‘Kante vibes’, as they plan summer reinforcements.