Marcus Rashford’s route back to Man Utd as he’s told ‘things have changed’ | Football | Sport
Marcus Rashford’s route back to Manchester United has cleared thanks to one key factor (Image: Getty)
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen reckons Marcus Rashford has a genuine chance of reviving his career at Old Trafford this summer. The key factor? Interim boss Michael Carrick transforming the atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams.
The mood at United is considerably more relaxed now compared to when Rashford departed for Barcelona on loan last summer. Back then, Ruben Amorim was at the helm and had made it abundantly clear the England international wasn’t part of his plans. However, Meulensteen is convinced Carrick, who shared the pitch with Rashford during his playing days at Old Trafford, could completely shift the narrative. What’s more, the striker isn’t the only former United star who might return after demonstrating improvement elsewhere.
“It could be a route back for Marcus Rashford at Man Utd, definitely,” Meulensteen told BetGoat. “I think Marcus is still as ‘red’ as anyone because he came through the ranks as a young kid, and that will never go away, that will never leave him.
“It’s the same with Scott McTominay. Both players have done extremely well wherever they’ve gone. But I think it was good for Marcus to have that spell away, first of all at Aston Villa, but now at Barcelona.
“It’s a different culture, a different language, and a different style. Every week is different. The Premier League is different.
“It’s so much more demanding than any league in the world. And I think he’s enjoying his football, and that’s the most important thing. He needs to enjoy his football.”
Rashford, 28, has netted 10 goals and provided 13 assists across 34 outings for Barcelona this campaign. He’s positioned to aid Barca in retaining their league crown, while the Catalan giants remain contenders for both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
Rashford and Michael Carrick have a prior relationship as team-mates, which could prove key (Image: PA)
It’s understandable why Rashford might be keen to make the switch permanent, with Barcelona holding a £26million purchase clause. Yet reports suggest the Spanish side have asked for that sum to be reduced, a request unlikely to sit well with the United hierarchy.
Under Amorim’s stewardship, Rashford found himself virtually sidelined, ultimately being dispatched on loan to Villa for the latter portion of last season. With the Portuguese manager at the helm, Rashford’s prospects at his childhood club appeared bleak, but Carrick holds a contrasting view on the situation.
“They still do well in the Champions League. But, yeah, things have changed,” added Meulensteen, who served under Sir Alex Ferguson during two separate periods as a United coach. “Things have changed at the club.
“There was something not right that didn’t sit well with Marcus at that particular time at Manchester United, because you have to really ask yourself what it is that made him lose that desire to play for the club he used to love and grew up with. But things can change, and things can change for the better. But obviously conversations should be held to see where they lead.”
For now, Rashford finds himself on the treatment table after picking up a knee injury that will sideline him for the immediate future. His first priority will be centred on rehabilitation so he can return to peak fitness and maximise his chances of securing a permanent move away this summer, but a United swan song isn’t off the table just yet.
