Marcus Rashford appears likely to join Barcelona when his loan contract expires in the summer transfer window.
Last summer, Marcus Rashford was one of five first-team players to be named in a “Bomb Squad” by head coach Rúben Amorim. The term was coined as all five would be placed on the transfer list and excluded from first-team training.
The four alongside Rashford were Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho. With the signings of Benjamin Šeško and Senne Lammens to focus on towards the end of the summer, Director of Football Jason Wilcox couldn’t find permanent moves for all, or even any move in the case of Malacia.
Rashford was sent on loan to Barcelona, with a £26 million buy-option, which now looks as if it could be activated in the summer. And he has impressed, with 10 goals and 10 assists in just 35 appearances, many of which have come from the bench.
For the most part, Rashford has played backup to Lamine Yamal and Raphina, who were both nominated for the Ballon d’Or last year, but has impressed when given the chance to.
Before his move to Barcelona, Rashford was sent on loan to Aston Villa for six months, as Amorim appeared to cut him out of the squad due to disciplinary issues.
Is Rashford’s attitude a problem?
Rashford’s attitude appeared to be Amorim’s biggest problem with the England international. Before he was cut from the squad, Rashford scored the first goal of Amorim’s tenure against Ipswich Town and netted two goals against Everton. He played just two more games for United after the brace at Old Trafford.
However, attitude doesn’t appear to be an issue for Rashford at Barcelona. On The Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker said: “He’s not getting many minutes at the moment. That’s for obvious reasons. Lamine Yamal is playing on the right, and Raphinha is playing on the left, and they are both in the top five players in world football. So it’s understandable. But whenever he comes on he does really well.”
He added: “I think that [Barcelona] would be a great move for him, don’t you? It looks promising for him.”
Lineker’s co-host Alex Aljoe said: “Barcelona have really liked his attitude, the fact he hasn’t been starting week in week out, but he’s delivered when he’s been brought on to the pitch.
“His head’s in the right place. He’s not moaning or sulking when he’s not playing. He’s coming on and proving his quality when he’s given the opportunity.
“He was criticised at Manchester United for his attitude at times but it seems he’s really enjoying life in Barcelona and he’s really happy there. He’s clearly settling in well.”
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The turn of a new dawn
With Michael Carrick at the helm, who was said to “like” the prospect of Rashford returning if he stayed on next season, United have looked like a completely new side: the football is much easier on the eye, they are picking up much better results, and, all in all, everyone seems much happier.
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While Amorim’s stint could prove to be important for United one day, it’s safe to say that most of the squad are enjoying the change and the time under their new head coach, Michael Carrick.
Carrick was only expected to stay at Old Trafford until the end of the season, but the support he has within the fanbase could mean he stays beyond his initial contract.
A win against Newcastle United this evening would just add to his case, as Omar Berrada would then have a huge decision to make.
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