Three goals and five assists since his move to Barcelona. A match winner on his day at any level and Tuchel's job is to get the best from him, which hasn't always been easy. Not really a centre forward and most likely to feature from the left.placeholder image
Three goals and five assists since his move to Barcelona. A match winner on his day at any level and Tuchel's job is to get the best from him, which hasn't always been easy. Not really a centre forward and most likely to feature from the left. | Getty Images
Marcus Rashford seems certain to leave Manchester United to join Barcelona, but could financial problems open the door for a blockbuster swap deal?
The appointment of Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager has reinvigorated a club that has for too long been in the doldrums.
Ruben Amorim was able to deliver one or two memorable moments, but from the outset, there was never any great belief that the former Sporting Lisbon manager was going to enjoy the same success at Old Trafford as he did in Portugal.
One of many issues was his infamous falling out with several members of his first team that saw them labelled “The Bomb Squad” with Marcus Rashford the leader of the pack. Metaphorically of course.
Man United should offer Barcelona loan deal for Marcus Rashford
Subsequent loan moves to Aston Villa and Barcelona have proven that there is still a good player there with Hansi Flick seeing something close to the best of the England international.
This is the reason why Barca want to keep the 28-year old who agreed a loan move with an option to buy clause inserted in the summer. Unfortunately for the cash strapped La Liga outfit, they will struggle to afford the relatively meagre - by modern standards - transfer fee of £26m.
As shown by United’s wins over Man City and Arsenal, things can change quickly in football and the departure of Amorim, added to the Red Devils returning to a formation that suits Rashford again, might be enough to persuade the academy graduate to return home. Despite this, reports suggest that Rashford sees his future at Barcelona which means that the two European heavyweights will have to get round the negotiating table again.
One option, with United holding all the cards, is to ask for the sort of swap deal that would see Carrick or the next manager inherit an upgrade whilst saving money on a transfer fee at the same time. Upgrades are needed throughout the team with Diogo Dalot being the perfect example. He is a more than serviceable defender, however, he isn’t of the standard that United need if they are to challenge for the Premier League title again. Jules Kounde, on the other hand, is.
The France international is a top class right-back, Barcelona have experienced cover in Joao Cancelo and he is probably on the ball park in terms of value to cover Rashford’s real worth. Yes, the deal struck was only £26m but this has always been considered far too low for a player of Rashford’s quality. Put it another way, Barcelona wouldn’t be able to replace Rashford with someone for that sort of money. Barca are in a weak negotiation and United could take advantage.
Fabrizio Romano makes Barcelona transfer claim
Speaking earlier this week, transfer supremo Fabrizio Romano provided an update which only strengthens United’s position: "He scored a goal for Barcelona, and Hansi Flick once again sent a message in public, his speed, his quality, he’s adding something to the squad. Hansi Flick is in love with Marcus Rashford," Romano said. So Barcelona’s intention, as they already communicated at the beginning of the year, is to find a way to keep Rashford. At the moment, there’s still nothing communicated with Man United.
“Barcelona haven't told them they will pay the buy option, they'll try to talk to Man United later this year to try negotiate and find a solution for Rashford. But what’s also true is that Marcus Rashford and Barcelona are very happy together. They will find a way. Let's see financially what happens with Man United, but the intention from Barcelona is to keep Marcus Rashford at the club. The conversation is going to continue."
United could do a lot worse than to steer the conversation towards the sort of swap deal transfer that sees both teams benefit.
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