David Ornstein provides a £40m Man United transfer update as Marcus Rashford set to report for training
Marcus Rashford is set to return to Man United training amid the speculation that he is going to leave.
Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford is one of the bigger transfer news stories this summer, as it looks as though his future at Old Trafford is all but over after falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim.
He left on loan for Aston Villa in January and had an impressive spell with Unai Emery’s side, scoring two goals and providing four assists in 14 games. Villa opted against paying Rashford’s £40m option to buy, and it has also been reported that they rejected a potential swap deal, seeing Rashford move to Villa Park in exchange for striker Ollie Watkins.
Rashford has since been linked with a move to La Liga side Barcelona, but due to his hefty wages, it would be tough for the Spanish side to pay for him permanently rather than on loan. It now seems that he is returning to training for Man United.
Rashford transfer stance clear amid return to training
It comes as somewhat of a surprise, but it has been reported that Rashford will return to United training on July 7, when the majority of the squad will begin their pre-season work under Amorim.
But, the Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed that the 27-year-old plans on training with the Red Devils, although it looks as though he has no future at Old Trafford. Ornstein has also confirmed that Rashford still has a desire to leave, and ideally wants a move abroad following his loan at Aston Villa.
The journalist wrote: “Marcus Rashford is prioritising a move abroad if he leaves Manchester United this summer. The forward still has three years left on his Old Trafford deal but does not appear to be part of their plans. Although a sale would be United’s wish, Rashford is also open to leaving on loan or as part of a swap deal if suitable opportunities arise.
“His entire career so far has been spent in England, and solutions might come from there before the transfer window closes. However, Rashford currently favours a switch overseas and ideally one that would enable the England international to compete for titles.”
Will Rashford join Barcelona?
The biggest issue that the La Liga giants have is that they aren’t in a brilliant position with regards to finances, and Rashford has a very hefty wage bill. The England international earns £225,000 per week at Man United, which would make him one of the highest-paid Barcelona players.
It has been said that Rashford is very keen on a move to Barcelona, and could take a pay cut in order to force a move there. However, the La Liga giants would reportedly prefer a loan deal for the 27-year-old, something that United don’t want.
The whole point of United offloading Rashford is that they can improve their squad with the money they make from a sale, so a loan deal would just delay Amorim’s squad rebuild, something that the United boss can’t afford to do, because he needs improvement immediately, otherwise Amorim’s future will be in doubt.
As things stand, Barcelona is the most likely destination for Rashford, simply because they are mutually keen on making a move happen. However, if the la Liga club can’t afford the move, he may have to consider staying in the Premier League instead.