A few thoughts on Marcus Rashford and reports of Barcelona deciding not to activate the €30m buy option. Could mean any one of four things. 1. Negotiation dance with Manchester United to try to lower fee. 2. Negotiation dance with Rashford over wages. 3. They genuinely don’t want him now following Anthony Gordon’s arrival and Raphinha returning to fitness. 4. Another loan (useful for a club with financial issues).
Certain realities… 1. Rashford obviously loved his time at Barcelona. Playing with a smile again. 2. Done well for Barcelona (14 goals, 11 assists, 49 games) and can play central. 3. Hansi Flick likes him. 4. Barcelona today posted pictures from training during season featuring Rashford embedded in squad. 5. Widely reported he would take a wage cut to stay.
6. In form. Expected to start ahead of Gordon on the left for England. 7. Does he want a return to the scrutiny he gets back in England? 8. United have moved on from Rashford emotionally, tactically and financially. 9. He’s 29. Little resale value. And 10. Rashford has every incentive now to tear up the World Cup and show his worth.
#ENG #MUFC #BARCA