Marcus Rashford has agreed a salary with Barcelona should the forward seal a permanent move from Manchester United, though Wes Brown believes a 'discussion' will be held over his Old Trafford return
Marcus Rashford in action for Barcelona
Marcus Rashford in action for Barcelona (Image: Getty Images)
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Discussions are set to take place over Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United, despite the forward having reportedly agreed personal terms for a permanent switch to Barcelona. The 28-year-old joined Barca on a season-long loan from United last summer and has made a strong impression at Camp Nou.
The England international has netted 10 goals and contributed 13 assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this season. Hansi Flick's side possess a £26million option to sign Rashford at the end of the campaign, with United holding firm on that valuation despite Barcelona's efforts to negotiate a lower fee.
Reports on Saturday from SPORT suggested that Barca had made significant progress in aligning Rashford's wages with their financial structure. Following discussions between Barca sporting director Deco and Rashford's representative Arturo Canales, personal terms have reportedly been agreed.
Despite Rashford appearing to be heading towards a permanent move to Catalonia, former United defender Wes Brown has expressed his desire to see the forward remain at Old Trafford. Brown suggested he's confident that conversations will take place regarding Rashford's potential return to United, particularly following Ruben Amorim's exit and Michael Carrick's appointment.
Speaking with Bet MGM, Brown told The Express: "I've said it before, I'd love it if he came back. But things have to be right. It wasn't right in his court and all the clubs' courts at the time. There was a lot of falling outs and that's what you don't want. You definitely don't want that.
"I think the main thing for me is that he is playing well. There would have been a lot of pressure when he went there on him. But he's doing his thing. They really like him.
"Rashford, I'm guessing, would love to stay there. You're talking about Barcelona as well. If he's doing his thing there and he's enjoying it, I'm sure he would love to.
"But at the same time, the manager has changed now. Circumstances are different. And I'm sure that discussion will go ahead."
Marcus Rashford is expected to join FC Barcelona on a permanent from Man United this summer.
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Carrick, 44, has made a considerable impression since taking over from Amorim as United's manager until the season's conclusion. The former United midfielder returned to Old Trafford in mid-January and has secured victory in six of his opening seven matches, collecting 19 points from a possible 21 in the Premier League.
This remarkable run has propelled United to third in the table, level on points with fourth-placed Aston Villa and three ahead of Liverpool in fifth. Discussing the impact Carrick has made since his return to the Red Devils, Brown said: "I think it was always going to be difficult but when Michael got it, the main thing was the first game. What's the reaction going to be like from the players?
"Not only the fans and myself but he got a great reaction to whatever he did in that first week, the first few days, the way the lads were even passing the ball. They were expressing themselves a little bit and it's the reaction, whatever he did, the reaction was right from the lads.
"But obviously to keep that going now, I think he's eight games in, I think I got that right, it's been brilliant. Who would have expected him not to have lost a game, first of all? Yes, not every game is going to be like your Arsenal's, the way we played there with Arsenal being so good and really hard to score against anyway. But he's managed to get the players playing with confidence and expressing themselves. At the time, that wasn't happening with Ruben.
"He's stuck to the same team as well, which is interesting. He's asked his players to respond and I think they've responded immensely. Again, we've played games where it's been a bit tight but managed to get a result out of it. If not three points, definitely a draw."
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