Marcus Rashford reacts while playing for Barcelona (Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick faces a huge challenge in maintaining Manchester United’s momentum when they return to competitive action. After the international break, the Red Devils will have another week off, with the FA Cup quarter-finals taking center stage.
The team will soon depart for an intensive training camp in Ireland to keep their game sharp. The players are scheduled to travel to Dublin on April 6 for a four-night stay ahead of the final seven games of the season. Nevertheless, there are already some pressing issues that need to be addressed. Fortunately for Carrick, two developing situations remain beyond his control as he wants to focus his efforts on on-field concerns.
One issue over which he has little influence is the transfer fate of Marcus Rashford. Here, Express Sport examines that and more from the latest United headlines.
Barcelona’s Rashford clause expires
For months, many have been puzzled as to what is stopping Barça from signing Rashford permanently. The £26m transfer fee included in his loan deal at the Camp Nou was widely seen as a bargain, but that option is reportedly no longer available.
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Cadena SER claims that the terms of that agreement expired at the end of March. What this effectively means is that Barcelona will now have to negotiate the player’s transfer fee like any other interested club.
This could indicate that the Catalan club are not fully committed to signing the England international striker on a permanent transfer. Or perhaps it simply reflects Barcelona’s indecision at a time when the club’s financial situation remains precarious.
Club icon-turned-sporting director Deco was recently asked about the possibility of Barcelona signing Atletico Madrid’s Julián Álvarez. He described the three months leading up to the summer as “like an eternity” and suggested he and other board members may share a similar outlook on Rashford’s future at the club.
Harry Maguire shown a red card. (Image: Getty Images)
It remains unclear how much money United will demand for their players, or whether Barcelona will be able to secure a more favorable contract for Rashford, who is keen to make the move permanent. But what is certain is that the Spanish side is expected to pay a significantly higher fee than the reduction it could have secured had it acted more quickly.
Maguire sued by FA
Harry Maguire’s immediate ability to join Carrick’s side is in doubt after he was charged by the Football Association. It was revealed on Wednesday that the England defender faces the possibility of further sanctions following his red card against Bournemouth last month.
Maguire, 33, received a straight red card for grabbing Evanilsson by the shirt in the penalty area, and Bournemouth converted the ensuing spot-kick to level the score at 2-2. But it was his response to referee Stuart Attwell and fourth official Matt Donoghue that led to the charges.
“Harry Maguire was charged after being sent off in the 78th minute of Manchester United’s Premier League match against Bournemouth on March 20,” the FA said in a statement. “The defender is alleged to have used inappropriate, abusive and insulting language and behavior towards the fourth official following his dismissal. Manager Harry Maguire has until April 2 to respond.”
Maguire’s suspension means he was already set to miss United’s game against Leeds on April 13. Nevertheless, depending on the verdict in Maguire’s case and whether United decide to appeal, Maguire’s suspension could be extended.
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