Marcos Rashford is in the final knock of his season-long loan at Barcelona, but there has been no decision to sign him permanently from the Spanish giants
Michael Carrick gives an update on Marcus Rashford’s future (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manager Michael Carrick has left open the possibility of Marcus Rashford making a surprise return to Manchester United. Rashford, 28, is nearing the end of his loan to Barcelona, but Barcelona have yet to trigger a clause to sign him permanently for £26m.
The England international was frozen out by former manager Ruben Amorim last year and was thought to have no future at OID Trafford. Rashford pressed on to join Barça and after a successful start to the season, he has made it clear he wants to remain in Catalonia.
However, a drop in performances and minutes in the second half of this season has put his future at Camp Nou in doubt. Now, a new development occurred as Carrick did not rule out a return.
Asked on Friday whether Rashford would be available to play for United again, the caretaker manager said: “I think certain things need to be decided in time, but obviously Marcus is in that situation.”
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“But nothing has been decided at the moment. And it will happen at some point. But at this stage there is nothing to say.”
Rashford had an indifferent season at Barcelona, and although he got off to a good start on loan, he was left out of the starting XI. The forward was only a regular starter in case Barca’s vice-captain Rafinha was injured, with Hansi Flick preferring to use Rashford as an impact substitute.
What’s more, Barcelona are still financially constrained and will have to be frugal in the transfer market. The La Liga champions, who remain favorites to win the title this season, are hoping to sign a new striker this summer that could have an impact on Rashford’s future as they look to make ends meet.
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Barcelona are undecided about Marcus Rashford (Image: Cesar Cebolla /PRESSINPHOTO/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Barça are considering whether to keep one of their current strikers, Ferran Torres, or expiring Robert Lewandowski, who has been offered a new contract at a significantly lower wage. One possibility is that United could allow Rashford to extend his loan for another season, rather than asking Barcelona for £26m.
In March, club president Joan Laporta told Spanish outlet Gijantes: “There is a possibility that the loan could be extended further. It depends on what Deco[Barcelona’s sporting director]wants. There is a possibility that he could pay part of the buyout option to Manchester United and decide on the rest later.”
Rashford, who was knocked out of the Champions League this week after a dramatic quarter-final draw with Atletico Madrid, has seven games left to make his case against Laporta and the rest of the hierarchy. Barça resume play on Wednesday at home against Celta Vigo.
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