Manchester United new coach pushing for Rashford’s return amid uncertain Barcelona future | OneFootball

The future of Marcus Rashford still remains one of the biggest question marks at Barcelona as the club decide whether or not they should activate his €30 million release clause.

The consensus within Barcelona’s technical staff is largely positive, as they believe the Englishman has shown good performances since joining the club on loan. The player, for his part, is keen on staying as well.

However, the €30 million clause is proving to be a financial obstacle for Barcelona, with the club hoping Man United would lower their valuation or agree to a second loan spell.

The Michael Carrick factor

However, as reported by Diario SPORT, a new factor has entered the Rashford equation in the form of Michael Carrick.

Rashford’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The Manchester United manager is close to signing a contract extension at Old Trafford. And this could play a key role in determining Rashford’s future.

Carrick has always been one of Rashford’s biggest advocates. When the forward first broke into the first team, Carrick publicly described him as having “a special talent”.

His relationship remains strong, and Carrick is understood to believe he can still bring out the best in the 28-year-old, with a significant role ready for him in the new project at Old Trafford.

What it means for Barcelona

The development complicates Barcelona’s position considerably. Until now, the assumption was that Rashford had little desire to return to Manchester United.

Will Rashford return to Man United in the summer? (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

But Carrick’s potential consolidation as manager changes that dynamic entirely.

If Carrick officially renews, Manchester United are likely to harden their stance on the €30 million clause, making any hope of a second loan or a reduced fee increasingly unlikely.

Rashford, for his part, remains keen on staying at the Camp Nou and had even proposed signing a five-year contract at the same reduced salary he already agreed to, as a way of spreading the amortisation cost and easing Barcelona’s financial burden.

But with Hansi Flick’s sporting endorsement yet to translate into a financial green light, and Manchester United’s position potentially stiffening by the day, time is running out for Barcelona to make their move.