The winds of transfer change are sweeping through the corridors of Old Trafford despite the absence of on-pitch activity at Manchester United. So while supporters must wait for the side to resume competitive fixtures, there’s no shortage of excitement in the latest developments.

Michael Carrick’s team are currently preparing for their journey to Dublin ahead of the end-of-season run-in. United will undertake four days of intensive preparation across the Irish Sea to utilise their time during a break in the fixture list. The Red Devils have just seven matches remaining to make their mark on this campaign and secure a top-four Premier League finish.

Carrick’s side return to competitive action at home to Leeds in a week’s time (April 13) and are just a single point clear of Aston Villa in fourth.

Here, Express Sport takes a look at the biggest stories surrounding Old Trafford today.

Fernandes ‘names his own replacement’

With captain Bruno Fernandes again linked with a move away this summer, there remain numerous question marks over his successor. Speaking towards the end of 2025, Fernandes acknowledged the interest in his signature last summer and that he could still depart in the foreseeable future if he didn’t feel he was wanted by United.

Such an influential figure would demand considerable financial outlay to replace. And Fernandes is seemingly willing to assist United in that respect, having reportedly put forward a name to his current employers.

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As it turns out, that name bears more than a passing resemblance to his own. Or rather his namesake, as The Sun claim that West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is the player Bruno has recommended to take over as United’s new No. 10.

Bruno was recently away on international duty with Portugal, where he shared a dressing room with Mateus, who came on as a substitute for Bruno to mark his debut in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States.

That passing of the torch may prove to be more than merely symbolic if the current United captain gets his wish. His fellow Sporting CP graduate secured a £40million transfer to West Ham last summer after catching the eye at Southampton.

Mateus isn’t quite matching Bruno’s output in the Premier League just yet, however, registering four goals and four assists across 34 appearances this season.

Rashford makes statement Barcelona performance

If there were any concerns that Marcus Rashford’s potential permanent move to Barcelona was under threat, those worries were eased on Saturday. That’s after the Englishman delivered a stellar display against Atletico Madrid to help Barcelona in their La Liga title pursuit.

Los Cules fell behind in the Spanish capital. However, Rashford then orchestrated an incisive attack down the left flank that saw his side draw level just moments later.

Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico extends their advantage at the top of the table to seven points. The cushion is all the more significant after Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Mallorca.

It was recently suggested that Barcelona had missed the deadline to secure Rashford for the £26m fee included in his loan agreement. However, it has since been indicated that those claims may have been premature.