Manchester United have had an official response to their Marcus Rashford transfer “idea”, while the England international continues to shine for Barcelona.
Marcus Rashford’s summer loan to Barcelona was always destined to happen, but it’s been a huge blow for Manchester United. The England international has already scored six goals and registered five assists in just 15 appearances for his new club.
In truth, Rashford would likely still be playing for Rúben Amorim’s side if it hadn’t been for a fallout early on in the United manager’s tenure. Rashford started Amorim’s first match in charge of the Red Devils and scored in an impressive performance against Ipswich Town.
However, after scoring two more goals against Everton at Old Trafford – this time from the right attacking midfield spot – Rashford was dropped from the squad to never return. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa before returning to United in the summer and being named in the dreaded “Bomb Squad”.
Alongside Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, Rashford was put on the transfer list, but the only move that favoured both the club and the player was a loan with an option to buy to Barcelona.
His form since the move has been among the best in the world, and United are seeing the best version of the academy graduate, who has already lost his shirt number to Matheus Cunha.
United’s Rashford transfer “idea”
Despite his love for the club and history at United, it is unlikely that Rashford ever returns to Old Trafford permanently. If he does return to Manchester, it will be in a Champions League tie, assuming United can regain their place in Europe’s elite.
While the loan only features an option to buy, United seem destined to lose Rashford, so it has been reported that they are willing to negotiate a permanent transfer in the January transfer window, rather than waiting until next summer.
The idea would see United receive Rashford’s transfer fee in January, allowing them to use that money to sign a new player. With Joshua Zirkzee set to leave on an initial loan deal, the Rashford fund could help Jason Wilcox replace the Dutchman immediately.
Rashford’s transfer fee could also help United cope during the African Cup of Nations, when Amorim will be without Amad, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo.
Perhaps, if United can sell Rashford before the window, they can bring in another right-wing-back with a similar profile to Amad, meaning they won’t have to rely on the inconsistent Diogo Dalot.
Barcelona boss responds to transfer ‘idea’
Deco – former footballing icon and current Barcelona sporting director – was asked about the possibility of purchasing Rashford before the end of his loan period at the reopening of Camp Nou; he told Goal: “If we are doing well and there are no surprises, I don’t think it’s necessary.
“We know exactly where we can improve and the difficulties we face. Last season, we also went through some difficult moments, and we were able to overcome them.
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“When we lower the intensity, we suffer. We need to have the best players. There are no excuses, but when you can’t make changes because of injuries and they affect our midfield. There are things to improve even when we win.”
Deco suggests that if Rashford continues his good run of form, he could become a Barcelona player at the end of the season. But, Hansi Flick’s side may be forced to replace Gavi in the January transfer window instead, due to his long-term injury.
Unfortunately for United, they will be without Rashford’s transfer fee in the January transfer window, so those already at the club will have to step up.
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