Marcus Rashford already knows Barcelona decision but Man United transfer twist sees new timeline for deal
Marcus Rashford has been in fine form this season, but could his move to Barcelona be off?
Michael Carrick has made a positive impression during his short tenure as Manchester United manager even if he is having to cope without someone who would make a huge difference.
Marcus Rashford’s infamous falling out with Ruben Amorim is well documented, a clash of personalities based on training techniques and style of play, the 28-year old found himself on the outside looking in.
Not being a no.9 or a no.10 meant that he was always going to be a square peg in a round hole under the now departed Red Devils boss. At Barcelona he has found a new home where he is loved and where is posting the sort of numbers that would see him become a firm favourite at Old Trafford once again.
Marcus Rashford to Barcelona saga takes another twist
In a recent twist to the saga, reports revealed Carrick wants Rashford back “home” next season, should he be appointed as permanent manager, it would be a surprise if whoever is appointed in the long term isn’t of the same opinion.
Barca’s financial difficulties make paying the £26m option to buy clause difficult even if the player himself has stated that he would love to stay with the La Liga leaders. According to The Times, Rashford knows that those who brought him to Barcelona also want him to stay, even if there is a pause on the talks with United to get a deal done.
With a presidential election on the 15th of March, the re-appointment of Juan Laporta could be pivotal with Rashford spending enough time at the Nou Camp to appreciate the importance of fan opinion.
As a player who is widely appreciated and borderline loved, a pledge to make his transfer permanent could help to sway undecided voters who choose who gets to run Barça for the next five years. With Carrick’s appointment and a change of formation, it will be interesting to learn what Rashford’s stance is now.
What has Rashford said about returning to United?
Rashford, with 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances, has looked like he is back to something approaching his best form and, for £26m represents something of a bargain in the current transfer market. Having drifted out of England contention at one point, it would be a surprise if he isn’t lining up under Thomas Tuchel when the World Cup campaign kicks off in the summer.
Speaking about his time at the Nou Camp earlier in the season, Rashford seemed perfectly intent to stay put: "I'm really enjoying my time in Spain; the weather is the best. A very big change. I'm learning every day, I'm enjoying it a lot. I hope to be here for a long time.
"I get along very well with Roony [Bardghji], also Jules [Kounde] or Frenkie [de Jong]. It's a team in which we all mix. We are united. The team is fantastic. I just have to be in the right position. I'll keep trying to do this. We have to keep it up to be our best version. We have a lot more to do this season."