Fabrizio Romano has explained the latest on Marcus Rashford’s possible move to Barcelona amid the Manchester United winger’s return to pre-season training.
Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United is looking increasingly complex as the club prepare to welcome their players back to Carrington for day one of pre-season training.
When United appointed Rúben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s successor, many supporters believed Rashford would play a key role in the new manager’s plans, as he appeared well-suited to the inside forward role in the 3-4-3 formation and was also seen as a potential option through the middle.
He made an encouraging start, scoring three goals in his first two appearances under the Portuguese coach, including the opening of his reign against Ipswich Town, but started just once more before being loaned to Aston Villa midway through the season.
The exact cause of the apparent fallout between the pair remains unclear, though Amorim hinted that Rashford’s training standards at Carrington were not up to scratch.
Latest curveball development for Barcelona and Rashford
While it has been well established that Rashford is keen to move to Barcelona this summer if he departs United, there was doubt over the feasibility of a move due to the La Liga giant’s interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.
However, in a major twist, Williams has instead committed his future to his current club, signing a stunning 10-year contract extension with Athletic Club, completely ruling out a move to Barcelona this summer.
Meanwhile, Rashford is now set to report to pre-season training at United next week. According to British reports, the winger is expecting to play a full part in Amorim’s pre-season plans.
It is noted that Rashford wants to “give 100% in training”, although there has been no contact between the 27-year-old and United’s head coach since he departed on his loan move earlier this year.
Barcelona’s stance on Rashford after Williams’ new contract
With Williams no longer an option for Barcelona, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on a potential move for Rashford.
The Italian journalist explained that, following the collapse of a move for Williams, Barcelona are likely to try one more time to sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool. However, should this fail, Rashford is also on their list.
“Marcus Rashford is waiting for options, including Barcelona,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel.
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“Rashford would love to go to Barcelona. Rashford would love to play in Spain, would love to be a Barca player, would love to play with Barca players. So, Rashford is basically waiting for this option, [although] he has also more possibilities.
“But I expect Barca to try for Luis Diaz again, and then also to have Marcus Rashford as part of their shortlist already since the January transfer window.
“So, Barcelona will now reassess their plans, but for sure, it’s over for Nico Williams.”
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