Manchester United

Image source, Getty Images

ESPN senior writer Mark Ogden says Marcus Rashford's expected move to Barcelona "suits everybody".

Rashford has passed a medical before an initial 12-month loan, which includes an option to buy for £30.3m (35m euros).

The 27-year-old has not played for United since being dropped by Ruben Amorim for the Manchester derby on 15 December last year, and spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.

"I thought at the outset that this is the one club Marcus Rashford would be prepared to take a pay cut to join because it's Barcelona and a dream move for him," Ogden told BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast.

"I know he's Barcelona's third choice because they missed out on Nico Williams and Luis Diaz - but he's still a player with a big reputation.

"United fans have fallen out of love with Rashford and this is long overdue him leaving. It's a matter of time before it is done and it suits everybody."

Barcelona have agreed to cover Rashford's wages for the duration of his loan after he accepted a 25% pay cut, saving United about £14m.

"It gets him off the wage bill and might free up some money for United to get another player in," Ogden added.

"From United's perspective, even if he goes there and has a decent season but they don't sign him, he will come back as a Barcelona player. His value and reputation will remain unless he has an absolute shocker, which I don't think he will.

"I don't really see a downside to this from United's perspective."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There were some fraught negotiations to get this deal over the line.

Manchester United felt the price Brentford wanted for Bryan Mbeumo changed on a number of occasions during discussions, which they believe were dragged out far too long. The London club would have preferred the player to join Tottenham or Newcastle because they would get a bigger fee.

Brentford feel Spurs were in a strong bargaining position because their new manager, ex-Bees boss Thomas Frank, knew exactly what fee they wanted, which was substantially more than United were offering - initially about £45m.

At one point, with United refusing to meet Brentford's demand for an initial £70m, plus £7m in additional payments - they had seen United spend £62.5m on Matheus Cunha and felt they were in a strong position - they cheekily mentioned to Mbeumo he might wish to lower his personal demands to get to the correct figure.

It was not needed in the end and an agreement was reached that allowed all parties to move forward.

For United in particular, this is hugely important.

In this instance, they felt not only were Tottenham and Newcastle keen but believed Arsenal were interested too, and Chelsea were also flexing their muscle by the end.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of how they went about it, United got their man eventually.

Considering they finished 15th last season and all the other clubs they felt they were battling with can offer Champions League football in the coming months, that does indeed represent something of a coup for technical director Jason Wilcox and his negotiating team.

Image source, Getty Images

Bryan Mbeumo says he has the "spirit and character to reach another level" at Manchester United.

The 25-year-old completed his transfer from Brentford in a deal worth an initial £65m. He has signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

Mbeumo said: "Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future.

"My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here, learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.

"This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies."

United director of football Jason Wilcox added: "Bryan's goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional. His remarkable consistency has put him among the most productive players in England for the past three seasons.

"Bryan's belief in our project and determination to join the club confirmed he was the perfect fit for Manchester United and the culture we are developing."

Manchester United are considering a move for Emiliano Martinez but may be put off by Aston Villa's £40m valuation of the 32-year-old Argentina goalkeeper. (Mail, external)

Manchester United's hopes of signing Nicolas Jackson have received a boost after the Chelsea and Senegal striker, 24, rejected AC Milan and Napoli because he wants to stay in the Premier League. (Sun, external)

Meanwhile, Villa, Chelsea and Tottenham are monitoring Alejandro Garnacho's situation at Old Trafford, with clubs believing the winger could be available for about £40m. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

United are set to compete with Manchester City for 26-year-old Sporting and Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand. (A Bola - in Portuguese), external

Finally, Juventus will step up their efforts to sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United when fellow forwards Samuel Mbangula and Timothy Weah leave the Serie A club. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

A new episode of The Devils' Advocate is available to listen to and download now on BBC Sounds.

Gaz and Joe are joined by ESPN's Mark Ogden to discuss Marcus Rashford's impending move to Barcelona, plus hear from former Brentford defender Ben Mee on Bryan Mbeumo's move to Old Trafford.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Guillem Balague and Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has passed a medical at Barcelona before his loan move.

The 27-year-old arrived in Catalonia on Sunday night after getting permission from United to complete the formalities of a move.

The England international was met by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco at the training ground on Monday morning.

Talks between Barcelona and Manchester United progressed swiftly in the last week, with a deal agreed in principle over the weekend.

Barcelona have agreed to cover Rashford's wages for the duration of his season-long loan.

The forward has accepted a 25% pay cut and it saves Manchester United about £14m.

Rashford's loan deal, which is for an initial 12 months, includes an option to buy at the end of the season.

The fee should he be bought is set at £30.3m (35m euros).

He will be presented to the media as a Barcelona player for the first time on Wednesday.

Image source, Getty Images

Ben Mee says his former team-mate Bryan Mbeumo is "going to fit in and play" at Manchester United, after Brentford accepted a bid for the forward last Friday.

"Bryan's a top player," Mee told BBC Radio Manchester. "He'll add plenty of quality to the side.

"I'll be interested to see where he fits into Amorim's formation that he was playing last season."

The pair played alongside each other at Brentford for three seasons, helping the Bees finish ninth, 16th and 10th in the Premier League.

When asked if Mbeumo will impress Ruben Amorim with his training and work-ethic, Mee added: "Yeah, without a doubt. Being with him for the past few years and seeing his improvement - he's still getting better and better.

"Last season, his numbers speak for themselves. He was absolutely outstanding. You can see him wanting more and more.

• Not a Man Utd fan? Find and follow your club here

"The next step for him is to go and prove it on a big stage in front of 70,000 people each week.

"Bryan will be at it - he'll be on it. It's a big opportunity for him going to a club like United. He's a humble, down-to-earth guy and he'll be someone that will work hard.

"He's got plenty of attacking quality but he doesn't mind doing the hard yards, getting back in, defending for his team, and doing the ugly things as well.

"He's more than happy to run back for his team and that says a lot about his character.

"He decided early on that he wanted to go to Manchester United and that's where he saw himself. He's going to fit in and play there. It's a big stage for him and that's where he wanted to go."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim wants to bring in two more signings this transfer window. (Mirror, external)

United have also put in a bid for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, 27, and hope they can persuade him to join them rather than Arsenal. (A Bola - in Portuguese, external)

However, they have had their interest in Italian forward Francesco Pio Esposito, 20, turned down by Inter Milan back in January. (Football Italia - in Italian, external)

Bryan Mbeumo, 25, has completed his medical for Manchester United, bringing his move from Brentford closer. (Fabrizio Romano, external)

Meanwhile Jadon Sancho's switch from Old Trafford to Juventus is close to being completed as the two clubs have finalised some details of the 25-year-old's move. (Tuttosport - in Italian, external)

The Italian giants are ready to meet United's 25m euros (£21.6m) asking price for Sancho, who is in full agreement with the Serie A giants over a four-year contract worth 6m euros (£5.2m) per year. (Sportmediaset - in Italian, external)

Finally, United and Newcastle have identified Paris St-Germain's France striker Randal Kolo Muani, 26, as a priority target following last season's successful loan spell at Juventus. (Footmercato - in French, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone in Stockholm
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It is fair to assume a theme will be repeated by Manchester United and their players when they speak to the media during their pre-season campaign.

It started in Stockholm on Saturday and will continue next week when head coach Ruben Amorim and his players land in Chicago to start preparations for the three-match Premier League Summer Series : United will improve on last season's disastrous performance.

Firstly, improvement from finishing 15th, their worst domestic showing since the 1973-74 relegation campaign is not too difficult.

Secondly, saying it is one thing, but we will only know whether it is reality once the real action begins, starting with the Premier League opener against Arsenal on 17 August.

But at least Amad Diallo set a target. He believes United should be aiming to finish at least fifth.

"A good season will be top five," he said. "I hope we can achieve that top five at the end of the season."

If last season is repeated, fifth would be good enough to qualify for the Champions League via one of Uefa's European Performance Spots.

Clearly there is a lot of work to do before then.

For Amad in particular, it will be about combining a role as a right wing-back and a more orthodox forward in one of the two number-10 roles.

Given Diogo Dalot has been given the number two shirt, he would appear to be the first choice wing-back, while Bryan Mbeumo – when he arrives – and Matheus Cunha are surely going to be the first choice 10s.

It gives Amad work to do, even though apart from Bruno Fernandes, he was by far United's most dangerous offensive player last season.

Against Leeds in Stockholm on Saturday, Amad started as a wing-back, switched with Toby Collyer briefly and moved into the right sided number 10 slot, then moved back.

He created the chance that earned young forward Chido Obi a ticking off from Cunha after taking an opportunity the Brazil striker thought should have been left to him.

"I have to adapt to every situation," he said. "No matter where I play, if the manager wants me to play as a right wing-back or a number 10, I'm here to help the team.

"I have no problems with one position, I have no preference. I can play anywhere where the manager wants me."

With Marcus Rashford almost certainly going to Barcelona and good friend Alejandro Garnacho also in dispute with Amorim, it is going to be a different kind of season for Amad.

Not that he wants to fan the flames of controversy.

"This is not really my problem," he said of the Garnacho situation.

As for Rashford: "Well, the only thing I can say is good luck to him, but I'm more focused on United and my team."

Simon Stone in Stockholm
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Patrick Dorgu agrees with Ruben Amorim's assertion that Manchester United will be better as a result of their difficult bedding-in process last year - and says it applies to him personally.

Amorim is hoping the struggles of last season will be beneficial in the forthcoming campaign, as it gave him a chance to get used to the Premier League and the understanding of what it takes to be successful.

That assessment also applies to Dorgu.

The Denmark wing-back arrived at Old Trafford in £25m deal in February, after which he made 20 appearances and established himself as first choice on the left.

While he impressed at times, Dorgu feels there is plenty more to come.

"Yes, 100% I feel I have more to bring to the team and more to give," he said. "Hopefully we'll see the best of me and the team in the first game."

Dorgu's mid-season arrival was crucial given the injuries that had blighted Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia and had forced Amorim to use right-footed Diogo Dalot frequently on the left.

Now Malacia is exiled, Shaw is focusing on a role as one of the three central defenders in Amorim's system and youngster Harry Amass will go out on loan, the main challenge for Dorgu's spot is likely to come from 18-year-old new boy Diego Leon, who caught the eye in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Leeds in Stockholm.

Dorgu welcomes the competition.

"For sure," he said. "Diego is a top, top player. It's good for everyone when you have two or three players providing competition in their positions. It's just going to help the team even more."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on the news Barcelona have opened talks with Manchester United over the signing of Marcus Rashford.

Here are some of your comments:

Danyal: Rashford is a brilliant player and he has done a lot for United in the years he was playing - especially in Erik ten Hag's time and even before. But, clearly Ruben Amorim and him are not enjoying this so it's better he goes elsewhere. He played well at Aston Villa so if Barcelona is his next club then why not? At least this way United aren't ruining his best years and Amorim can buy other players he wants!

Neil: Yet another Amorim blunder. Hope Rashford gets his desired team. He is a great loss to United, a team which is far from united.

Jon: If they take a risk on him, then Rashford will have to step up to the plate in terms of attitude. That's why a loan with an option to buy makes sense from Barcelona point of view. Not perfect for United but he has to go.

Bezzer: He's had enough rope at United, and I'm surprised Barcelona are entertaining such an influence on their dressing room. Amorim has shown there is no room for petulance in his regime.

Joe: Perhaps not a popular view among fellow united fans, but I just want to see the lad happy and thriving. He's done a lot of great stuff both on the field and off, wish him all the best.

Grace: I was always very defensive of Rashford when fellow United fans were critical - however, the red flag mannerisms have existed under multiple managers and it feels a bit of a kick in the teeth that he is being rewarded with Barcelona and Champions League football for doing nothing.

Mike: It's sad to see him go, one of our best players in recent years. The fact his form and attitude has dipped means it's time to let him go and onto a new challenge. Only players who want to play for our team should be playing for our team.

Ian: This could be good for both sides. The deal needs to cover most if not all his wages. If it works out, it could mean we end this lengthy saga and Barca get a good player at a reasonable price.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United and Leeds United played out a 0-0 draw in Stockholm to start their respective pre-season campaigns.

Summer signings Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon made their first appearances for Ruben Amorin's side, while Leeds new boys Lukas Nmecha and Sean Longstaff - the latter signed just yesterday from Newcastle - also featured at the Strawberry Arena.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford's move to Barcelona is moving closer.

The Spanish giants have been Rashford's preferred destination ever since he first suggested it was time for a new challenge in December after he had been axed by head coach Ruben Amorim.

BBC Sport has been told that talks have taken place involving intermediaries and there is a belief that a deal can be reached.

The move would be an initial loan with an option to buy.

Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa where he made 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

He is one of five United players – and the highest paid – told to train separately from Amorim's squad amid a stand-off over their futures.

The 27-year-old does not believe he will play for United again while Amorim is at the club.

What do you make of the latest development in Rashford's career?

And are you surprised he looks set for Spain?

Let us know here

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Young striker Joe Hugill has agreed a loan deal with League Two newboys Barnet.

Hugill was part of Manchester United's FA Youth Cup-winning squad in 2022 and scored at Ibrox 12 months ago in a pre-season win at Glasgow Rangers.

He has made it onto the first-team bench but is yet to make a senior appearance and has spent the past 18 months on loan at Burton, Wigan and Carlisle respectively.

The Durham-born forward still has 12 months left on his present United deal but there is the option to extend by a further year.

Barnet are looking to make an impact after returning to the Football League after a seven-year absence and open their campaign in the EFL Cup against Newport on 29 July.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho.

On 4 July, Manchester United made it known that these five players had asked to leave the club and would not train with the remainder of Ruben Amorim's squad.

Since their exile, the only significant development involving the quintet was news that they cannot access Manchester United's Carrington training ground - which they can enter for rehabilitation and medical purposes - until the head coach and his squad have left for the day.

The members of the so-called 'bomb squad' can train together at Carrington if they wish and combine that with work away from the complex, which is in the final stages of a multi-million pound upgrade.

But, as far as Amorim is concerned, they are done.

As expected, these players deemed surplus to requirements have been left out of United's travelling squad to Sweden's capital. Their omissions suggest exits could be on the horizon, as Amorim reshapes his squad.

Meanwhile, the arrival of Paraguay Under-20 international Diego Leon earlier this month has increased competition for the role of back-up left-sided defender.

A decision has been taken internally for Harry Amass to try to get valuable experience out on loan by pushing to play first-team football every week, something which would not have been the case had he remained at Old Trafford.

While Leon will be involved in Stockholm and on the US tour, United do not view Amass' situation in a negative light and he remains highly thought of at the club.

It is understood there has been plenty of interest in the England youth international, but no deal is imminent.

Read more on the Harry Amass situation here