Marcus Rashford has starred for Barcelona this season. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford remains at the centre of swirling transfer rumours, with opinion divided over his future following his Barcelona loan spell. The 28-year-old has exceeded expectations during his season-long stint. The Catalan giants now have the option to make his switch permanent by activating the £26million buy-out clause in his deal, although matters have been muddied by suggestions that Michael Carrick is keen to welcome him back to Old Trafford.
Pundits across the board have weighed in with their views, leading to contrasting opinions between former United coach Rene Meulensteen and ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy. Meulensteen believes that the England international’s exceptional performances in Spain could provide the springboard to resurrect his career back in Manchester.
“It could be a route back for Marcus Rashford at Man United, definitely,” he told BetGoat. “I think Marcus is still as ‘red’ as anyone because he came through the ranks as a young kid, and that will never go away, that will never leave him. It’s the same with Scott McTominay.
“Both players have done extremely well wherever they’ve gone. But I think it was good for Marcus to have that spell away, first of all at Aston Villa, but now at Barcelona.
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“It’s a different culture, a different language, and a different style. Every week is different. The Premier League is different. It’s so much more demanding than any league in the world. And I think he’s enjoying his football, and that’s the most important thing. He needs to enjoy his football.”
However, this perspective contrasts sharply with that of Murphy, who suggests that United’s decision-makers have moved past Rashford, recently sidelined due to a knee injury. He thinks that regardless of who takes the reins at Old Trafford next season, Rashford may struggle to find his place.
Marcus Rashford (Image: Getty Images)
“I don’t think Michael Carrick, or whoever gets the job, will be able to influence the club to change their approach on Marcus Rashford,” Murphy shared with Boyle Sports. “I think he’s had his chances and opportunities. Also, the fanbase has generally turned on him a little bit.
“I think he’s too far gone. Even if he doesn’t get the Barcelona move, a move somewhere else will benefit him. He looks like he’s playing with freedom. I even saw him come off the bench against Real Madrid, and he looked so sharp, expressing himself and appearing like a different player. I think his days at United are over, regardless of who is in charge.”
A crucial element in this equation, however, is whether Rashford himself could be persuaded to resurrect his career in Manchester. Whilst Carrick seems prepared to offer the player an opportunity, the decision-makers who sanctioned his loan spells at Villa and Barcelona remain in their positions.
With two years remaining on his United deal, this summer window could represent the club’s final opportunity to command a substantial transfer fee. Yet, having witnessed his rapid development in Barcelona’s shirt, United officials must be questioning whether the academy graduate might still have a future at his childhood club after all.
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