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Manchester Evening News
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Omar Garrick

Barcelona 'desire' £31.5m Manchester United striker as Erling Haaland move 'ruled out'

Welcome to the United On My Mind daily round-up, where we take a look at some of the best Manchester United stories that you might have missed.

United will be looking to pick up three points in a crucial match against Norwich City, but that hasn't stopped a lot of the transfer rumours, as one of Ralf Rangnick's strikers has caught the attention of Barcelona.

It's thought that United will be looking at a striker in the summer transfer window, and Erling Haaland is the name at the top of everyone's wish list. However, judging by his agent's comments, a move to Old Trafford seems unlikely.

We seem to have a striker theme in our Mediawatch, as another United striker has been linked with a move to Italy.

Barcelona' desire' Manchester United striker

Most United supporters probably know this by now, but Anthony Martial's agent confirmed to Sky Sports News that the player wishes to leave the club in January.

The Frenchman hasn't had enough game time this season at Old Trafford, and the consensus within the fanbase is that he should be shipped on for the sake of his career.

Since the news broke, Martial has been linked with quite a few clubs, and a report from Spanish outlet, Fichajes claims that it's 'no secret' that Martial 'is one of the big desires' that Barcelona have for the January market. They also note that Barcelona could offer Martial a vital role, unlike what he has at United. It isn't clear if their attempt to sign him would be on a loan deal.

Martial wants out of United (Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) ((Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images))

My opinion: If Barcelona wants Anthony Martial, they need to sign him permanently. I know they don't have cash, but there could be a scenario where United try and sign one of their players for money plus Martial... I'm thinking Frenkie de Jong!

United out of Erling Haaland race?

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Erling Haaland, ever since a transfer failed to materialise in January 2020. It was expected they'd be in for him in the summer transfer window, but his agent might have hinted a move to the red half of Manchester won't happen.

Mino Raiola, who's had issues with United, indicated that rivals, Manchester City, might have the upper edge due to winning more titles than Rangnick's team in recent years.

Raiola told Sport 1: "Man City has won the championship five times in recent years, significantly more than United.

"We have been thinking for two years.

Raiola even name-dropped a few potential clubs - but refused to name United. He continued: "He will take the next step. Bayern, Real, Barca, City - these are the big clubs he can go to.

"When? Maybe this summer, maybe next. But there is a big chance he'll leave this summer."

My opinion: I always thought it would be difficult for United to sign Erling Haaland, and I don't think they'll get him. However, other striker options are available if they fail to buy the Norwegian.

Juventus targeting Manchester United fan favourite

There are quite a few players in United's squad who have a special relationship with the fanbase. Still, I don't think anyone has a rapport similar to what Edinson Cavani has with supporters.

The 34-year-old is adored throughout the Old Trafford faithful, but there are no indications that he'll stay beyond his contract, which runs out at the end of the season.

Cavani has been linked with a host of clubs, and now a report from Italian outlet, Tuttosport, has suggested that Juventus are interested in signing the Uruguayan.

According to the report, he is open to leaving Old Trafford because he wants a club that motivates him.

My opinion: I would love Cavani to stay, but I don't see it happening. It's why I also think United will sign a striker in the summer. It's a shame, but it's his choice.

Follow our United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.

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