Marcus Rashford ended up out in the cold with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and as a result late on loan to Barcelona with a buyout clause. – A united English press corps believes it does not change anything that Amorim has been fired, we in Sporten.com disagree and believe that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is the leading candidate to take over in the short term, can make that left winger work at Old Trafford as well.
Now, with a few months left on his loan deal and 26 games in, Barcelona have decided what to do with Rashford.
Read: Manchester United face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tomorrow after dropping Ruud van Nistelrooy
The 28-year-old quickly made his mark at Camp Nou by scoring two goals against Newcastle in the Champions League, before netting four goals and providing a further six assists in the next 11 games.
His goalscoring form has declined since then, with only one goal since November 5, and he was substituted at half-time during Barcelona’s final 2-0 win over arch-rivals Espanyol. Nevertheless, according to Spanish journalist Alfredo Martinez, Barcelona have been sufficiently convinced by Rashford and intend to sign him permanently this summer.
The England international reportedly has a €30 million buyout clause as part of his loan contract, which Hansi Flick’s side could trigger in the next transfer window.
It is claimed that Rashford’s representatives have been informed of Barcelona’s plans, and it is expected that there will be talks between both parties before the end of the season.
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In December, Barca boss Flick described the 28-year-old as an “absolute professional”, adding: “His attitude and mentality are fantastic.”
“In the beginning he had to adapt a bit, but now he’s at his best level.”
“I talk to the players when they are not playing and explain why. And what he said to me last time was, ‘Boss, you don’t have to tell me this. It’s all about the team. We have to win the three points, nothing else is important’.”
“It’s the right attitude. The mentality he has is fantastic and I’m really happy he’s here.”
It was widely believed that Rashford had played his last game for United when he left the club in July, having been at the club since he was seven years old.
He made 428 appearances in all competitions after graduating from the academy, scoring 138 goals.
He had been left out of the squad in the opening months of Amorim’s tenure as manager last season, with the Portuguese manager blaming his absence on the player’s performance in training.
Rashford then spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he delivered a number of impressive performances.
