- Manchester United ‘open’ to Rashford return
- Barcelona looking for more flexible purchase terms
- Carrick is admirer of England star
Manchester United have opened the door to a first team return for Marcus Rashford if his permanent move to Barcelona fails to materialise.
According to Rob Dawson, sources told ESPN that United are ‘relaxed’ about the situation. The Catalan club currently has a £25m buy option inserted into the loan deal.
Under Hansi Flick, he has scored 10 goals in 39 appearances. His form in Spain has earned him a recall to England’s team under Thomas Tuchel. He is expected to be included in this summer’s World Cup squad.
Rashford was exiled from first-team training after being placed in the ‘bomb squad’ by Ruben Amorim last summer. With Amorim no longer at the helm, the forward would be ‘allowed’ back into the first team picture at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old has previously played under Michael Carrick in his last caretaker spell, and is thought to be a fan of Rashford. If Carrick does get the permanent head-coach job, a return for the player seems likely. However, that will not be decided until after the summer, so Rashford faces a wait over his future either way.
Barcelona move in doubt
Barcelona president Joan Laporta, manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco are all fans of Rashford. In an ideal scenario, they will sign the forward permanently. Things get muddy when you take into account the club’s financial problems.
Blaugrana have other priorities, such as a left-sided centre-back. Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly of interest to the La Liga side (per Fabrizio Romano) and will cost upwards of £45m. Inter are not forced to sell, which could drive prices higher and take budget away from other signings.
This explains why Barca have reportedly tried to negotiate the buy option of £25m to a lower price. However, United have refused to be ‘flexible’ on what is already a cheap fee for a seasoned international. The Red Devils are confident that Rashford’s upturn in form has driven up his value, which will work in their favour if Barcelona cannot afford the deal.
Does Rashford Have a Future at Old Trafford?
United have already moved on quickly from Rashford. Matheus Cunha was brought in from Wolves this summer and settled in fairly quickly in the left wing position. Patrick Dorgu was also used there before his injury setback. Upon his return, it is expected that he will be used in a more advanced role rather than competing directly with Luke Shaw.
One of the main criticisms that the 28-year-old faced was his lackadaisical defensive contributions as a winger. There were often times under Amorim, in particular, where he was coasting his way through games. That is a world apart from Cunha’s work rate, so any potential return from Rashford would require him to increase his running numbers.
The £25m clause in his current loan deal is the biggest telltale that, even at a cut-price, United are willing to get rid of a player who earns around £300,000 per week. Yet, a return for the academy graduate gives him hope that there will be no ‘bomb squad’ or isolated training this time around.
