- Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United future remains uncertain
- FC Barcelona have option to buy in summer
- Michael Carrick was asked about forward ahead of Chelsea clash
As Manchester United prepare to face Chelsea today (18 April), one name that was brought up in the build-up to the game was Marcus Rashford.
The 28-year-old has a storied history against Chelsea, having played against them 22 times in his career. The most recent game was actually as a Barcelona player. The 3-0 defeat took place in the league phase of the Champions League in November.
Rashford has an impressive record against the Blues, scoring six goals and assisting in five. However, it wasn’t his record against them that was relevant to the conversation in the press conference ahead of the game.
No Decision Made on Rashford
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick was asked whether the door was still open for a return for Rashford next season. The former midfielder has reportedly opened the door for the forward, having worked with him previously.
However, Carrick’s own future beyond the interim spell remains in doubt as the rumours of Julian Nagelsmann‘s appointment have accelerated in recent days. If the Englishman were to remain as manager, the return for Rashford may be a formality.
According to Steven Railston of Manchester Evening News (MEN), he said: “I just think there’s decisions to be made in time, really, on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation.”
So far, Carrick has claimed that he has been part of discussions in relation to next season. For example, it was hinted that he had a part to play in Harry Maguire’s recent contract renewal. The ongoing contract talks with Kobbie Mainoo follow the same pattern. Both players have been re-energised and found a new lease of life under the 44-year-old.
Carrick continued: “But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”
Barcelona’s Indecisivness Complicates Saga
Rashford has shown flashes of brilliance under Hansi Flick, but he remains the odd man out when Barcelona are at full strength. Displacing the unbreakable trio of Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Raphinha has been a difficult task this year.
Despite being able to play on either flank or as a number nine, his gametime has been limited in the second half of the season. Since the turn of the year, he has managed just four La Liga starts. However, a recent resurgence in April has seen him score in consecutive games against Atletico Madrid and Espanyol. A strong finish is essential to convince the Catalan giants to make his stay permanent.
Barcelona remains hesitant to trigger the buy option, having already failed to negotiate a lower fee with Manchester United. The Old Trafford hierarchy has been inflexible on its valuation of the Manchester-born forward.
As for United, the uncertainty does not help in planning ahead for the 2026/27 season. If Carrick is appointed as manager, the pathway for Rashford’s return looks more straightforward. Yet, neither issue will be sorted anytime before Champions League qualification is secured for the Reds.
