Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford approaches the most meaningful summer of his career to date as opinions continue to conflict over the next best move for the Manchester United star
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona gestures looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona
Opinion has been split over what to do with Marcus Rashford this summer(Image: Getty)
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Manchester United star Marcus Rashford continues to be the subject of intense speculation regarding his transfer future. And the topic has caused a split in opinion regarding his next steps following the conclusion of his Barcelona loan.
The 28-year-old has been even more successful than many might have envisioned during his season-long loan at Barcelona. The Blaugrana could therefore turn his move permanent by triggering the £26million purchase clause in his contract, though the situation has been complicated by reports Michael Carrick wants him reintegrated at Old Trafford.
Pundits far and wide have shared their thoughts, leading to a clash in opinions between ex-United coach Rene Meulensteen and Liverpool legend Danny Murphy. And it's Meulensteen's belief the England forward's superlative form in Catalonia could be the catalyst to revive his career back in Manchester.
"It could be a route back for Marcus Rashford at Man United, definitely," he told BetGoat. "I think Marcus is still as ‘red’ as anyone because he came through the ranks as a young kid, and that will never go away, that will never leave him.
"It's the same with Scott McTominay. Both players have done extremely well wherever they've gone. But I think it was good for Marcus to have that spell away, first of all at Aston Villa, but now at Barcelona. It's a different culture, a different language, and a different style. Every week is different.
"The Premier League is different. It's so much more demanding than any league in the world. And I think he's enjoying his football, and that's the most important thing. He needs to enjoy his football."
Contrast that against the stance of Murphy, who believes the United decision-makers have moved on from Rashford, who was recently sidelined by a knee injury. And the Anfield icon believes that no matter who's in charge at Old Trafford next term, the Englishman won't fit back in.
“I don't think Michael Carrick, or whoever gets the job, will be able to influence the club to change their approach on Marcus Rashford. I think he's had his chances and opportunities. Also, the fanbase has generally turned on him a little bit.
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“I think he's too far gone. Even if he doesn't get the Barcelona move, a move somewhere else will benefit him. He looks like he's playing with freedom. I even saw him come off the bench against Real Madrid, and he looked so sharp, expressing himself and appearing like a different player. I think his days at United are over, regardless of who is in charge.”
Murphy went on to acknowledge Carrick's predecessor, Ruben Amorim, wasn't immune to odd squad decisions. The most pertinent among these was his exile of Kobbie Mainoo, suggesting his judgement was also perhaps misplaced when it comes to Rashford.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford has been living life in Spain, scoring 10 goals and recording 13 assists in 34 games(Image: Getty Images)
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However, a major factor in the formula is whether Rashford could even be convinced to pick up his career in Manchester. Carrick appears ready to give the player a chance, but those in charge who green-lit his loans to Villa and Barca remain in place.
The winger has another two years left to run on his United contract, meaning this summer could be the club's last chance to secure a premium fee. But after witnessing his swift progress in Barcelona's colours, United must be wondering whether the player could yet have a long-term future at his boyhood club.