Whilst their Premier League counterparts gear up for FA Cup fourth round fixtures, Manchester United enjoy a weekend's respite to recover. The Red Devils were knocked out by Brighton in the third round, leaving the league as their sole remaining objective this campaign. Michael Carrick's side won't be back in action until February 23, when they face Everton. By kick-off, they could slip outside the Champions League positions, with Chelsea sitting just one point adrift of United and Liverpool a further two points back.

Interim boss Carrick opted against strengthening his squad during January following his appointment after Ruben Amorim's departure. Uncertainty surrounds whether he'll occupy the dugout next season, though that hasn't prevented speculation regarding potential future acquisitions. Off the field, recent remarks from part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have sparked debate. Express Sport brings you the latest news from around Old Trafford...

Rashford backed for return

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen reckons Marcus Rashford's Old Trafford career isn't finished. Rashford concluded last season on loan at Aston Villa and is currently on a season-long arrangement with Barcelona.

The Spanish outfit possess an option to secure him permanently for slightly above £26million come summer. Nevertheless, Meulensteen hasn't dismissed the possibility of the academy product returning now that Rashford's ex-teammate Carrick occupies the manager's position.

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"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."

Ratcliffe responds to backlash

Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced criticism following remarks where he suggested Britain was being 'colonised' by immigrants. Supporters' group The 1958 were amongst those challenging the co-owner, who has now released an additional statement regarding his observations.

"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 stated. "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."

Previously, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham had criticised Ratcliffe's remarks. "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 declared.

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