Manchester United are reportedly facing competition from one of their biggest rivals in their efforts to sign Morgan Rogers this summer. Despite spending over £200 million on attacking reinforcements last year, the Red Devils remain eager to strengthen their forward line further.

While INEOS have placed midfield additions high on their list of priorities for the upcoming transfer window, United are also actively searching for a new left-sided attacker. Marcus Rashford is expected to be sold permanently this year, as he no longer features in the club’s long-term plans.

The 28-year-old recently completed an impressive loan stint with Barcelona and is said to be keen on making the move permanent. United, meanwhile, are keen to bring the long-running Rashford saga to a close by cashing in on him to fund new signings.

Recent reports suggest that the club view Rogers as a player who could enhance their attacking options ahead of what is expected to be a demanding campaign.

Rogers began his career at West Bromwich Albion before joining Manchester City in 2019. However, he never managed to break into the first team at the Etihad Stadium and instead spent his time out on loan, eventually securing a permanent move to Middlesbrough in the summer of 2023.

It was at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium that Rogers worked under manager Michael Carrick, before Aston Villa came calling six months later. United are now aiming to reunite the pair at Old Trafford this summer.

The 23-year-old forward is a modern and adaptable attacker who can play both on the left wing and in the No. 10 position. With his pace, creativity, and eye for goal, Rogers is seen as a potential long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes at the Theatre of Dreams.

This season, Rogers has become a key figure under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, registering 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions.

Although United remain interested in securing his signature, their plans may be complicated by renewed interest from their city rivals.

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester City are considering re-signing Rogers this summer. The report claims: “Manchester City are firmly in the race with Arsenal, Chelsea and other top clubs to sign Morgan Rogers and could bring the England international back to the Etihad Stadium.”

The same report adds that Rogers is open to a return to the blue side of Manchester: “Rogers spent four years on City’s books after joining their youth setup in 2019, before leaving for Middlesbrough in 2023 in search of regular first-team football.”

It further states: “Sources have indicated that he would have no hesitation in returning to the Etihad if Manchester City formalise their interest and offer him the chance to come back.”

However, Aston Villa are unlikely to make any deal easy. The report notes: “They sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City in 2021 for a club-record £100 million, but sources suggest Rogers could command an even higher transfer fee in today’s market.”

Last season, Rogers contributed 14 goals and 16 assists for Villa, demonstrating the consistency that has caught the attention of United scouts. The player’s proven Premier League record and alignment with INEOS’s preferred age profile make him a strong candidate, setting up what could be a fascinating transfer battle as the summer window unfolds.