Man Utd dealt deadline day blow in pursuit of Marcus Rashford replacement
Man Utd dealt deadline day blow in pursuit of Marcus Rashford replacement
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Manchester United’s hopes of signing Leon Bailey are all but over with Aston Villa ‘unlikely’ to sell the winger on transfer deadline day. The Red Devils are in desperate need of new firepower with only four clubs scoring less than Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League this season. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have scored a combined five goals in 43 appearances, with Amorim resorting to starting Kobbie Mainoo as a striker in Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace.
![[Manchester United FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GettyImages-2196727967.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
That decision backfired as they slumped to yet another defeat, with Jean-Philippe Mateta bagging a brace at Old Trafford. And with Marcus Rashford completing a long-anticipated move to Villa on Sunday, their attacking options have been further depleted. United have been linked with a number of different forwards including Christopher Nkunku and Mathys Tel – but on deadline day, both players rejected the club.
![[Manchester United FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GettyImages-2197225785.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Nkunku will stay at Chelsea while Tel has opted to join Tottenham instead and now, with the January transfer window closing, they’ve missed out on another top target. Sky Sports report that Unai Emery is ‘unlikely’ to let Bailey leave Villa Park at this time, despite interest from United and Spurs. The Jamaican winger has been in and out of the Villans’ starting XI this season, contributing just one goal and three assists in 29 appearances.
The 27-year-old, who signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £25million in 2021, remains well-regarded and United had been interested in bringing him in on loan. They no doubt would have hoped that a deal could be done given how quickly and smoothly an agreement was reached for Rashford’s loan, but it’s becoming increasingly likely that no new forward will arrive in Manchester before the deadline. The Red Devils have at the very least brought in two new defenders: £29million left-back Patrick Dorgu and teenage centre-back Ayden Heaven.
Additionally, Alejandro Garnacho has seemingly confirmed his desire to stay at Old Trafford amid shock links with Chelsea. United will hope to get back to winning ways in their first game following deadline day: an FA Cup clash against Leicester City on Friday. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Arrow MORE: Who are Chelsea transfer targets Dario Essugo and Mathis Amougou?.
