Marcus Rashford was expected to join Barcelona on a permanent basis this summer but has been handed a potential route back to parent club Manchester United
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes Michael Carrick’s permanent appointment can be excellent news for Marcus Rashford. Despite it appearing certain the forward would move to Barcelona this summer, it now seems a return could very much be a possibility in the coming months.
Rashford, 28, has completed his season-long loan at the Camp Nou following his final outing of the campaign on Saturday. It concluded on a disappointing note, however, after Rashford struggled to influence proceedings in a surprise 3-1 loss at Valencia.
All signs appeared to suggest Barca would meet the necessary £26million fee to secure Rashford permanently this summer – and they may yet do so. Nevertheless, Meulensteen, who won numerous Premier League titles on Sir Alex Ferguson‘s staff, has floated the possibility of his return to Old Trafford now former team-mate Carrick has been installed as manager on a permanent basis.
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“There is a route back for Marcus Rashford because Michael Carrick knows him,” the Dutchman told BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football betting. “I think there is a really important conversation to be had, no two ways about it.
“Marcus has grown up as a little kid from Manchester. He’s Manchester United through and through. And for whatever reason, something has made him make the decision to move away.”
“Maybe it has been good for him to move away for a while, just to have a look at it and look back at Manchester United from the outside in. Because it will also have given him the opportunity to realise how much Man United actually means to him.”
“Because he knows Michael and Michael knows him, I think it’s definitely a good conversation that they should have. And then obviously, it all depends on what exactly the expectations are from both parties.”
It seemed as though Rashford’s bond with the club had deteriorated under previous regimes. Erik ten Hag was still in charge in January 2024 when the forward reportedly missed a training session following a night out in Belfast.
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He subsequently struggled to win over Ten Hag’s successor, Ruben Amorim. That much became evident after the United academy graduate was dispatched on loan twice by the Portuguese boss.
Initially, Rashford moved to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024/25 season. He was then loaned to Barcelona for a year-long spell last summer.
Carrick, who shared the pitch with Rashford before hanging up his boots, has since assumed control of his former club. After reviving the fortunes of several players at Old Trafford, returning Rashford to his peak form in red would represent another feather in his cap.
Having struggled to build rapport with certain managers previously, it’s easy to imagine how Carrick might offer the familiar presence he’s been craving. Nevertheless, the decision rests entirely with Barcelona as to whether they activate the £26m clause in his contract and eliminate any chance of a reunion.
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