Manchester United linked with Premier League player as possible replacement for Marcus Rashford
Manchester United have reportedly been offered a striker by a Champions League club, who could be a potential replacement for Marcus Rashford or Joshua Zirkzee.
With the transfer deadline on September 1 getting closer, all 20 Premier League teams are busy working on last-minute deals, with many players likely to move soon.
One player who might be on the move is Joshua Zirkzee. On August 27, The Athletic said Fiorentina, a Serie A club, were in talks to take the Dutch striker on loan. Fiorentina aren’t the only Italian club interested—Juventus and Como have also shown interest. Zirkzee had some success in Italy with Bologna before joining United in 2024.
Meanwhile, Rashford’s future is still uncertain. He made his first competitive appearance for United in 14 months as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 loss to Hull City on August 22.
Despite reports that Rashford will probably stay at United, there are still links to Arsenal. The Independent says Arsenal thinks a loan deal could be possible.
If Rashford or Zirkzee leaves, United would be short in attack, leaving manager Michael Carrick and the club to find a solution.
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth has been offered to United by intermediaries.
“TEAMtalk understands that Sorloth is a possible option for United as they look for another forward before the transfer deadline on Tuesday,” Bailey wrote.
The Norwegian forward is willing to leave Atletico this summer and thinks about returning to the Premier League, where he played before for Crystal Palace.
United need another striker after Zirkzee’s loan move, and Carrick’s team is looking at several options. Sources say United want a forward who can play up front and offer a real choice alongside Benjamin Sesko—and Sorloth fits that description.
Sorloth played for Crystal Palace between 2018 and 2020 but only scored once in 20 games. Since then, he’s improved a lot, having great spells with Trabzonspor, Real Sociedad, Villarreal, and now Atletico Madrid, scoring 44 goals in 107 games.
Usually a No.9, Sorloth also played on the right wing during the 2026 World Cup. He’s contracted to Atletico until 2028.
There’s also talk that Juventus striker Jonathan David has been offered to United. The Italian club may consider a deal involving David, Sorloth, and Nico González, but talks are getting complicated.
Manchester United will be back in Premier League action at home against Ipswich Town on August 30.