Manchester City looks poised to help Ralf Rangnick quash rumours of possible outs ahead of the January transfer window, with the surprising stories seemingly coming to a halt.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ferran Torres will complete his switch from the Etihad to Camp Nou in January for a move worth €65 million (£55m), including add-ons.
The report claims that the 21-year-old will pen a five-year deal at Barcelona, making the Spain international Xavi's first signing since his appointment amid the club's well-documented financial 'crisis'.
Spanish outlets, El Nacional and Mundo Deportivo had claimed that Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford were subject to interest from Barcelona. However, following Pep Guardiola's latest winter hijacking, City has helped United keep its traditions.
The two academy graduates, valued at a combined £121.5 million by Transfermarkt, looked set to become the first to suffer from Cristiano Ronaldo's star-studded arrival.
Naturally, when a five-time Ballon d'Or winner walks through the doors of Carrington, others in a similar position will be relegated to reduced game time which is part and parcel of the many risks the club shouldered. However, Rashford and Greenwood will be happy with the current game time under Rangnick.
Both players also have a clear-cut future at the club, with the 4-2-2-2 system of Rangnick making it easier for the duo to get more game time at United.
Greenwood is said to be 'unhappy' with his game time at Old Trafford following the appointment of Rangnick, having once been a regular starter, according to El Nacional.
But, with Barcelona's big-money acquisition of Torres potentially blocking the arrivals of others, United have been able to quell any rumours surrounding the future of both Greenwood and Rashford. However, if they don't, they risk falling into a transfer trap like Guardiola did with Jack Grealish.
If United were to lose either Greenwood or Rashford, it would be a monumental disaster in the club's history. They could become the unfortunate by-product of Ronaldo's homecoming - like how Torres's departure can stem from Grealish's arrival.
But, it is now up to Ralf Rangnick to keep two of United's most prized gems from Carrington firing on all cylinders to lead United in the short-term and long-term.
Do you think Ferran Torres' departure from City should be a warning to United? Follow our United On My Mind trends writer Jake Stokes and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
