Man Utd news: Rashford transfer request as Carrick singles out striker | Football | Sport

A frustrating draw at West Ham has served as a reality check for Manchester United regarding the demands of Premier League football. Nevertheless, spirits within the squad remain high despite the club failing to win for the first time under Michael Carrick’s stewardship.

The Red Devils have gone five matches without defeat under the interim boss. This followed Benjamin Sesko’s introduction from the substitutes’ bench to score a composed leveller at the London Stadium on Tuesday. United stay fourth in the table after fifth-placed Chelsea similarly dropped two crucial points in a 2-2 draw at home against Leeds.

Yet Carrick’s side displayed the resilient spirit of previous United teams to secure a point and preserve the longest current unbeaten run in England’s top division.

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The battle for Champions League qualification won’t recommence until Monday when United face Everton. There’s much to consider before kick-off, though, as Express Sport compiles the latest developments at Old Trafford.

Barcelona request lower Rashford fee

United have received unwelcome news as speculation grows over Marcus Rashford’s future and whether Barcelona will complete a permanent transfer. Barcelona would consider acquiring the player, though only if his price is reduced.

For many, the £26million clause written into the Englishman’s agreement already represented exceptional value. Rashford may have reached 28 years of age, but his tally of 10 goals and 13 assists across 34 appearances for them demonstrates he warrants the sum.

Spanish outlet Sport claim that a deal “won’t be possible” under those conditions. Consequently, it appears United may need to revisit their strategy this summer and seek additional interested parties should Rashford remain determined to depart.

The matter is complicated by an injury to Rashford, who has been ruled out of Barcelona’s cup tie with Atletico Madrid.

Carrick singles out Sesko

After his exploits at the London Stadium in midweek, Sesko has received another round of praise from his management. Carrick trusted the summer signing to rescue something from the match following Tomas Soucek’s opener for West Ham, and Sesko responded with an elegant near-post volley.

Despite a slow beginning to his United career, Sesko has now netted five times in his last six appearances for United. They’ve been largely vital strikes, too, finding the net in the 3-2 victory over Fulham, whilst also claiming a brace in the 2-2 draw against Burnley.

“Leny [Yoro]’s come on and made a big difference for us tonight in big moments, and then Ben [Sesko] scored again,” Carrick said. “Ben’s doing a lot work. He’s in a good place, he’s ready to kick on, it’s just managing the balance.

“We could have changed things a little bit earlier. That’s obviously the decision we’re always trying to make and we were actually having a bit of a spell in the game at that point where we thought we might come back into it, but when Ben came on the pitch he made a big difference.”

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