Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford return gets seal of approval as Sir Jim Ratcliffe issues statement

Manchester United have a weekend off after failing to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup

As their Premier League rivals prepare for FA Cup fourth round action, Manchester United have a weekend off to recharge their batteries. United were eliminated by Brighton in the third round, meaning the league is their only remaining focus this term.

Michael Carrick's team won't return to action until February 23, when they take on Everton. By the time that game kicks off they could find themselves outside the Champions League spots, with Chelsea currently one point behind the Red Devils and Liverpool two further points behind them.

Interim manager Carrick didn't make any additions to his squad in January after taking over from Ruben Amorim. There is no certainty over whether he will be in the dugout next season but that hasn't stopped speculation about future signings.

Away from the pitch, recent comments from part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have caused controversy. Here are Mirror Football's latest talking points from around Old Trafford.

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READ MORE : Michael Carrick learns 'position' for Man Utd job after major Thomas Tuchel developmentREAD MORE : Man Utd fans' group slams Sir Jim Ratcliffe over controversial immigration rant

Rashford backed for return

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes Marcus Rashford's Old Trafford career is not over. Rashford finished last season on loan at Aston Villa and is now on a season-long deal with Barcelona.

The Catalan club have an option to sign permanently for just over £26million in the summer. However, Meulensteen isn't ruling out a return for the academy graduate now that Rashford's former team-mate Carrick is in the dugout.

"It could be a route back for Marcus Rashford at Man Utd, definitely," the Dutchman told BetGoat. "I think Marcus is still as ‘red’ as anyone because he came through the ranks as a young kid, and that will never go away, that will never leave him.

"It's the same with Scott McTominay. Both players have done extremely well wherever they've gone. But I think it was good for Marcus to have that spell away, first of all at Aston Villa, but now at Barcelona. It's a different culture, a different language, and a different style. Every week is different.

"The Premier League is different. It's so much more demanding than any league in the world. And I think he's enjoying his football, and that's the most important thing. He needs to enjoy his football."

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Ratcliffe responds to backlash

Sir Jim Ratcliffe came under fire for comments in which he claimed the UK was being 'colonised' by immigrants. Fan group The 1958 were among those to hit back at the co-owner, who has now issued a further statement about his comments.

"I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth," the billionaire said. "My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.

"My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK."

Earlier, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham had called out Ratcliffe. "These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races and faiths have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions – including Manchester United FC," he said.

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