Man Utd’s perfect Marcus Rashford replacement is now on the market and they have a secret weapon to make it happen

Manchester United's ideal replacement for Marcus Rashford could now be available on the transfer market, and they know exactly how they'll convince him to join.

In possibly the biggest shock of the winter transfer window, United star Rashford joined Premier League rivals Aston Villa on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The move came after the Englishman appeared to fall out with new manager Ruben Amorim, who replaced former boss Erik ten Hag in November.

Despite United's poor form, Amorim is expected to remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future, meaning Rashford could be set to leave on a permanent basis in the summer, meaning United will need to explore the market for a new forward.

Should Rashford and United part ways, then the Premier League club have already reportedly picked out their ideal replacement, and they might already have a plan to bring him in.

According to several outlets, United will target Atalanta star Ademola Lookman in the summer, with the Nigerian international seen as the perfect solution to their issues in attack.

After joining the Serie A club in august 2022, Lookman has established himself as one of the best forwards in Europe and, until recently, was likely viewed as untouchable in the transfer market.

But, after Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini called out his star player for missing a penalty following their Champions League exit at the hands of Club Brugge, a report from Sky Sports has revealed that Lookman will ask to leave the club in the summer.

Ademola Lookman and Atalanta were knocked out of the Champions League this week. (Image: Getty)

"Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen," the Italian manager told a post-match press conference.

"He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all."

While United will certainly not be the only club interested in the former Fulham star, they boast a secret weapon in negotiations as they can point to the success that Amad Diallo has enjoyed since joining from Atalanta in January 2021.