Manchester United could trial Marcus Rashford as striker as they decide on his future

Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United could hinge on whether the club sign a striker in the summer transfer window.

Rashford, 24, is set to travel on United's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia in July and is hopeful of impressing new manager Erik ten Hag.

Sources have suggested if United fail to recruit a new goalscorer Rashford could be trialled as a centre forward across United's four friendlies against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

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However, Rashford has not received any direct clarity on his position from United since it emerged he was considering his future at the club in the wake of the Manchester derby on March 6.

Despite the absences of fellow forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood, Rashford started on the bench in the 4-1 defeat. When the quartet were unavailable for the draw with Leicester on April 2 Rashford was a substitute again.

United want to sign at least one forward to offset their attacking exodus, with Cavani, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba all scheduled to leave when their contracts expire next month.

Rashford is under contract at United until 2023 and the club has the option of an additional year. Paris Saint-Germain expressed interest in Rashford but convinced Kylian Mbappe to sign a new three-year contract.

Barcelona are long-time admirers of Rashford and are planning a clearout, with Ousmane Dembele about to enter the last month of his contract and the futures of Memphis Depay and Martin Braithwaite are uncertain.

United could effectively delay a decision on Rashford's future by a year due to his contractual situation but risk his resale value