Manchester United reject opening Barcelona offer for Marcus Rashford | OneFootball

The future of Marcus Rashford remains a mystery, as the World Cup crests the horizon. At various points it looked as if Barcelona would be willing to make an effort to hang onto Rashford, but so far they have not come close to activating his €30m option to buy or persuading Manchester United to lower their demands.

Rashford enjoyed a decent season at Barcelona, scoring 14 times and giving 14 assists, despite not being a regular starter throughout the season. A dip in form between February and April looked as if it might have cost him his spot at Barcelona next season, but towards the end of the campaign, Hansi Flick reportedly told Rashford that he was relying on him for next season. The €70m spend on Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, who naturally plays off the left – the same position of Rashford – has placed his continuity in doubt again though.

Manchester United reject first Rashford offer

Barcelona have reportedly been trying to renegotiate another loan for Rashford, or at the very least bring the price of a deal down, but so far United have been clear they expect at least €30m for the England international. As per DM, and quoted by MD, Barcelona have offered United €15m for Rashford’s permanent services, but that proposal has been rebuffed swiftly by the Red Devils. Barcelona have until the 15th of June to activate their option to buy, but there is a growing sense of frustration from Manchester over the deal.

Hansi Flick’s puzzle in the final third

If Rashford were to return, it would in theory give him three options for one spot on the left, with Raphinha and Gordon. Should he come back, it would intimate that at least one of those is likely to play elsewhere next season, or in Raphinha’s case, perhaps even depart the club. Gordon would be the obvious choice for the number nine position if no alternative is signed, while Raphinha has been tested at the ten spot, although Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo are in theory Flick’s primary options there.