The Rashford situation and transfer targets

[BBC] [Getty Images] In the second part of a special Q&A, our Manchester United reporter Simon Stone focuses on forward Marcus Rashford and potential transfer targets. Gary asked: What is happening with Rashford? Is Rashford leaving or will Michael Carrick give him another chance? If not, who will the club get in as a permanent replacement? Simon: Carrick has made all the right noises around Rashford but I would be truly stunned if he played for Manchester United again. I got the distinct impression from all sides last summer his career at Old Trafford was over. You mention permanent replacement but Matheus Cunha can play in that position, so too Mason Mount. Rashford doesn't like playing as a centre-forward anyway, but there are options in that position aside from Benjamin Sesko, who had a decent first season. I know the 15 June deadline for Barcelona to pay £26m for Rashford is looming but it is clear they don't want to do that deal. The key point is the three-week gap between England's World Cup campaign ending and Rashford reporting back for pre-season. That is when I expect his future to be resolved. Listen to the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast from BBC Radio Manchester Stuart asked: Is Elliot Anderson a realistic target for Manchester United this summer? Is Lewis Hall a left-back option? Could we sign Robert Lewandowski on a free? Simon: I would go for a blanket answer on all the players you have mentioned and say, for various reasons, getting any would be difficult. Anderson is someone United would like - top of their options for central midfielders. However, they have made it clear they will not get involved in a bidding war, nor will they overpay. Pushing for Anderson could mean both, partly because Manchester City are heading a long queue of clubs who also want him, and partly because Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis wants to make the fee prohibitively expensive for a player who still has three years left on his contract. On Hall, United want a left-sided player and, as it looks as though Patrick Dorgu is viewed as an attacking option rather than defensive, that would be as competition for Luke Shaw at full-back. The problem is Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali looks likely to leave this summer also. That reduces significantly the need to sell one of the most coveted young players in the Premier League. As for Lewandowski, I think he fits the profile of an experienced forward United would want to take some of the pressure off Sesko. However, his salary demands are likely to be huge and United are trying to get away from those kinds of deals. Keep across this page on Wednesday for parts three and four of Simon's Q&A, which will look at subjects including Carrick's first full season and United's ownership.