Manchester United look set for a Marcus Rashford boost in the summer transfer window as a big decision awaits Barcelona
Manchester United find themselves in a strong position regarding Marcus Rashford's future
Manchester United find themselves in a strong position regarding Marcus Rashford's future(Image: (Photo by James Marsh/Shutterstock))
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Marcus Rashford's long-term future at Barcelona is in doubt with Premier League and European clubs making enquiries for the Manchester United star. That is according to ESPN, with it also claimed it's likely he would be allowed to re-join United's first-team squad.
The 28-year-old completed a season-long loan to the Spanish giants last summer that included £26million buy-option clause. There is currently no clear indication whether or not that will be activated with the latest updates placing United in a strong position.
Interest from elsewhere will hand them an advantage in any negotiations with Barcelona over a permanent switch. Alternatively, if he stays put, United would be getting back a player on top of his game that has shown his clear ability in a different environment.
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Rashford has somewhat been unable to prove that over the last few months with his minutes decreasing significantly following the return of Raphinha from injury. The Brazil international and Lamine Yamal are Hansi Flick's first-choice wingers which has seen Rashford forced to settle for minutes off the bench.
He has started just one of Barcelona's last eight games in all competitions and was handed just 20 minutes across both legs of their Champions League last-16 triumph over Newcastle United. He was an unused substitute for the second leg.
Though Rashford has previously made it clear that he doesn't mind not always playing, he is unlikely to be too pleased especially ahead of the World Cup.
He has still been selected in Thomas Tuchel's squad for upcoming friendlies but it's fair to say Anthony Gordon may currently be ahead of him in the pecking order.
Guaranteed game time is likely to play a key role in his final decision over where he will be next season with it certainly seeming as though Barcelona are taking that into account as well.
The Catalan club are also expected to be in the market for a long-term Robert Lewandowski replacement and it remains to be seen if they can commit funds to both that and signing Rashford.
Barcelona stars Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski react
Barcelona can only afford to sign Marcus Rashford or a Robert Lewandowski replacement this summer
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If Barca are unwilling to pay the £26million, United could easily increase their asking price given his profile and performances over the last few months.
On the other hand, as mentioned above, he could be welcomed back into the fold at Old Trafford with Ruben Amorim no longer in charge.
Exactly who replaces him permanently could be decisive for Rashford with Michael Carrick only the interim head coach until the end of the season.
Just one defeat since he has taken charge puts him in a great position to be given the job but there are other candidates for United that have been both linked and recommended such as Diego Simeone, Roberto De Zerbi, Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique and Oliver Glasner.