Michael Owen believes that Marcus Rashford could not have a better man in charge to make a return to Man United a possibility this summer
Marcus Rashford's future remains uncertain
Marcus Rashford's future remains uncertain(Image: Getty Images)
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Michael Owen believes that Marcus Rashford could yet be thrown a Manchester United lifeline as his Barcelona limbo continues.
The La Liga side, who coughed up £59.3million for Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon, have so far stalled on making the England forward's move to the Spotify Nou Camp a permanent deal. And while the former Liverpool and United star feels Rashford's head has already been turned, he says an unexpected return to the fray at Old Trafford can't completely ruled out.
Speaking to Metro, Owen said: "Well, if it was any other manager, then I would say it’s impossible.
"The only chink of light is that it’s Michael Carrick and he knows him. If he really rates him, then is it beyond the realms? There might be a tiny chink of light, but I still think it’s very unlikely.
"I know Barcelona didn’t trigger that option yet but United really want to get rid. They know Rashford wants to stay.
"Barcelona might be playing hardball, and they might say, ‘we’ll take it, but you know we’re not going to pay that type of fee’, so it still might be a lot of posturing."
United want £26m for Rashford with Barca yet to budge on the demand but there is a chance they could yet return to the table, leaving the door ajar for a partnership with England team-mate Gordon.
"I would still expect him to be at Barcelona next season personally, and I can’t see a return to Manchester United but as I say, the one little glimmer of hope for everybody might be that it’s Michael Carrick and he’s working wonders already and he knows him really well."
Rashford still has two years left on his current deal at Man United with Newcastle already ruling out a move for the forward due to his wage demands. The former Aston Villa loanee last pulled on a Man United shirt in 2024 in their Europa League win over Viktoria Plezen, while his last goals at Old Trafford arrived in a 4-0 thumping of Everton in December that year.
Owen has also thrown Rashford into the equation at newly crowned Premier League champions Arsenal. The former Newcastle and Stoke man said: "Arsenal are still sort of searching for centre forward so it gives you another option up there,’ added Owen, the face of Casino.org in the UK, a leading comparison website helping Brits find online casinos that suit their preferences.
Owen went on: "Obviously, on the left-hand side, Trossard is a very good player, and Martinelli’s a very good player, but they aren’t quite on Rashford’s level when he’s fit and firing.
"I can’t imagine Arsenal are going to be signing too many players. I expect them just to be quite opportunistic; maybe if a great centre forward comes along or an opportunity to get somebody, then they will act.
"But I don’t think it’s the worst shout to be honest. I think Rashford’s first priority will be to stay at Barcelona, and I think his team will be working around the clock to try to sort that one out.
"But if that doesn’t work, then of course other teams come into the fray and Arsenal could be a great option."
Rashford fired in 14 goals and made 14 assists in 49 matches for Barcelona in all competitions last season. That was enough to book him a place in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad with Rashford taking his tally to 72 caps for his country in the last week with appearances against New Zealand and Costa Rica in the US warm-up games.