Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains “keen” to remove Marcus Rashford from the wage bill amid Manchester United’s reported regret over his Barcelona terms.
Marcus Rashford was once considered a star boy at Old Trafford, but he was then kicked out of Rúben Amorim’s squad before moving on loan to Aston Villa and now Barcelona.
When Michael Carrick replaced Amorim as Manchester United head coach, reports suggested that Carrick would like Rashford to return to his squad – likely due to his lack of left-wing options – but there was no recall clause in his Barcelona contract.
Rashford’s summer loan move to Catalonia contains a £26 million buy-option for Barcelona, as United were looking to sell the England international because he was a member of the “Bomb Squad” along with Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho.
Reports have stated that Barcelona want to keep Rashford but want to negotiate the fee down from the current £26 million.
United regret Rashford loan terms
Had he still been at Old Trafford, Rashford would be starting most games as Carrick’s left-winger, and likely impressing at that, as his love for a counterattacking style is well known. That may be part of the reason why United regret the summer deal.
The Mirror have reported that United regret Rashford’s £26 million loan-to-buy summer move, following the winger’s revival this season.
The report states that United’s senior figures have been left frustrated by the contract terms, which give Barcelona the first option to buy the winger for just £26 million.
However, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains “keen” on removing Rashford from the wage bill, although he isn’t happy that Rashford could leave for such a low fee. United will set a new transfer demand, but Barcelona will be within their rights to only pay £26 million, should they wish to.
Hansi Flick is said to want to keep Rashford at Barcelona long-term, and the player reportedly has “no intention” of returning to Manchester during his playing days.
What could have been for Rashford
Picture this: it’s late in the game, only two minutes left. Diogo Dalot shoots, and it’s clearly going way over the bar, but Presnell Kimpembe handballs it, and United have a late penalty to win an unwinnable game. Who would have the composure to take and score that penalty? Oh yeah, Marcus Rashford.
For periods of his United career, Rashford was unplayable. He could receive the ball wide, cut inside, and fire it into the opposite corner with ease. And yes, for other periods, that wasn’t quite the case. But denying his talent is a fool’s game.
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Unfortunately, Rashford is very much a case of what could have been, but his form since moving to Barcelona – 10 goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances – shows how good he could be when in the right environment.
Rashford is another United player to fall victim to the conveyor belt of managers at Old Trafford, as Kobbie Mainoo was under Rúben Amorim.
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