Marcus Rashford has plenty to think about with the Manchester United academy graduate facing an uncertain future amid Barcelona's apparent reluctance to bring him back to Catalonia
Marcus Rashford looks on
Marcus Rashford's permanent move to Barcelona is looking unlikely at this stage (Image: Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford faces a bruising situation with his dream move to Barcelona in serious doubt. The Catalan giants have until June 15 to activate their £26million purchase option in the loan agreement for Rashford.
The Manchester United academy graduate couldn't have done much more in Catalonia last season, playing a key role in their La Liga title win. But Barca's apparent reluctance to sign him speaks volumes.
Money cannot be used as an excuse after the Spanish champions shelled out almost £70million on Anthony Gordon. Yes, his wages are currently high, but surely there could be a compromise if both parties wanted a deal.
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Uncertainty now shrouds Rashford's next move. Recent reports in Sport have claimed that Jose Mourinho, whose appointment at the Bernabeu is all-but signed, could look to bring the 28-year-old to Barca's fierce rivals Real Madrid.
The Portuguese coached Rashford during his time as manager at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2018. Rashford scored 28 goals and provided 21 assists in 125 appearances (69 starts) for United under Mourinho.
If the Reds forward holds any resentment towards Barca - joining Real would be the ultimate stinging response. Javier Saviola was the last player to cross the divide and pull on the shirt of both Los Blancos and Barca in their career.
Not since Luis Figo swapped Barcelona for Real in 2000 would bigger outrage erupt in the Catalan capital. Rashford's reputation at the Camp Nou would be completely shattered.
Marcus Rashford looks on
Marcus Rashford has been linked with Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)
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And yet what other options does he have? Premier League champions Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, who had Rashford on loan for the second half of last season, are reportedly interested in bringing him back to England.
But will a move to one of United's potential rivals for Champions League qualification - or, if things go really well for Michael Carrick, a title charge - suit the Reds?
And yet a loan move back to Barca wouldn't suit United either. It's why a sale to Real could be such an enticing option for United.
The Reds wouldn't have to worry about him coming back to bite them - unless by chance they faced each other in Europe.
Los Blancos are one of the few clubs outside English football's top tier who could afford both the transfer fee and Rashford's wages. The decision will ultimately rest with United's winger, with plenty to ponder this summer.