- Marcus Rashford may return to Manchester United
- Barcelona are stalling on £26m clause
- Arsenal are reportedly interested
As a Manchester United fan, watching Marcus Rashford play for another Premier League club in Aston Villa, albeit on loan, was strange enough. Watching him join a direct rival permanently this summer would be even more uncomfortable.
But watching Rashford join Arsenal and challenge for a Premier League title in a red shirt that does not don United’s crest? That cannot happen. Yet it could, if Barcelona opt not to trigger their £26million buy option at the end of the season.
Rashford would return to Old Trafford on a lucrative salary that only a select group of clubs could afford to cover, some of which are based in England. If the 28-year-old’s United chapter is closed as expected, a controversial switch to the Emirates Stadium might be too attractive to turn down.
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Marcus Rashford cannot join Arsenal
Arsenal have reportedly joined Bayern Munich in monitoring Rashford ahead of the summer transfer window, with his Barcelona future up in the air (Mail Sport). It’s claimed that if the La Liga champions elect do not retain him for next season, he is unlikely to stay at United due to his eye-watering £315,000-a-week wages.
But there are two significant reasons why the Red Devils cannot allow Rashford to join Arsenal. The first of which speaks for itself. While these two rivals trade players more often than United do with Liverpool or Manchester City, there is a reason it is rare.
That rarity is exactly why the moment Robin van Persie turned his back on the Gunners to carry United to a 20th English title, and his first, was so special.
It remains a glorious topic of mockery aimed at Arsenal to this day. The prospect of a repeat, but involving Rashford, is sickening. His status as an academy graduate who spent 10 years in the first team would make it even worse.
Man Utd must be careful
But taking my fan cap off, there is also a logical reason why United would be better off keeping Rashford on their own books than handing him to Arsenal.
With Michael Carrick set to secure a third-place finish this season, the Red Devils must look ahead and focus on closing the gap to second and, ultimately, a 21st title.
It would make little sense to strengthen one of the two teams they are chasing with Rashford, who is a clear upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. No financial opportunity would be worth it.
United are believed to want a new left-winger to support Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu, on top of this summer’s midfield rebuild. But any deal is unlikely before Rashford’s situation is resolved.
In an ideal world, Barcelona swallow their pride and send the £26m that their No. 14 is worth to Manchester in good time. If not, the Old Trafford decision-makers must ensure that the resolution is the right one.
That does not, and cannot, involve Arsenal.
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