Man United eye Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye, Ivorian Yan Diomande as potential Rashford replacements

Manchester United have intensified their search for a long-term successor to Marcus Rashford, with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande emerging as the primary candidates to revitalize the club’s attacking frontline.

The recruitment drive follows reports from Sport that Rashford is nearing a permanent move to FC Barcelona.

The Catalan giants are expected to finalize a €30 million agreement to secure the England international, who has found a new lease of life on loan in La Liga.

With the departure of a homegrown icon now imminent, United’s leadership has pivoted toward younger, high-energy options, placing Ndiaye and Diomande at the top of their summer wishlist.

Iliman Ndiaye represents a proven Premier League commodity. The Everton forward has garnered significant praise for his versatility and technical flair, qualities that United’s scouting department believes would provide a seamless tactical transition.

Valued at approximately £16 million, the Senegalese is viewed as a cost-effective solution that would allow the club to reinvest the remaining Rashford windfall into other areas of the squad.

His ability to operate both as a traditional winger and as a creative force through the middle is reportedly a key factor in Michael Carrick’s interest.

Conversely, Ivorian Yan Diomande is being tracked as a high-ceiling prospect capable of becoming a European superstar.

Currently excelling at RB Leipzig, the winger has drawn comparisons to some of the Bundesliga’s most explosive talents.

While Diomande would likely command a higher fee than Ndiaye, his physical profile and direct style of play are seen as the perfect “direct replacement” for the verticality Rashford once provided.

Reports suggest that United are working quickly to establish a deal for the Leipzig man to ward off competition from rival continental giants.

As the €30 million deal with Barcelona nears its conclusion, United are expected to move decisively for one of the two targets.

Whether they opt for the Premier League readiness of Ndiaye or the raw potential of Diomande, the club’s intent is clear: a swift and strategic evolution of the Manchester United attack starts this summer.