Marcus Rashford backed to complete permanent Man United transfer
Marcus Rashford has come in for criticism during his loan spell at Barcelona with suggestions he could be sent back to Man United as a result.
The 27-year-old has started just one game in La Liga so far this season and has played just 94 minutes of football amid concerns following Rashford’s move from Man United to Barcelona.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he is expected to play more of a prominent role under Hansi Flick in the coming weeks.
The upcoming Champions League clash with Newcastle is being eyed as a chance for him to impress and prove his worth as an important player.
Sources say Rashford will be given the season to prove himself at Barcelona, and if he shows his top form, he could earn a permanent move to the Nou Camp.
Marcus Rashford tipped for increased role at Barcelona
Having been heavily criticised in Barcelona since his summer move, reports have gone as far as to suggest Rashford could be sent back to Man United.
However, the Catalan club are expected to stick with him for the duration of his loan spell and he will be given the chance to prove himself in an upcoming crucial run of games.
Injury concerns and squad rotation could see Rashford handed more opportunities to impress off the back of a positive international break with England.
Speaking on the Inside Track Podcast, I explained: “Rashford has got all the season to prove himself at Barcelona, but it’s been a difficult start for him.
“Look, they’ve had a number of injury issues at Barcelona as well, so Rashford might feature more regularly for them over the next few weeks.
“I’m sure he will play a key role for Flick’s side because they’ve got so many games and so many competitions and the Champions League starting next week.
“We’ll see if he’s involved in that game against Newcastle, that could be another chance for him to impress against an English side.
“There’s a buy option in his loan deal of around £30million, so if Barcelona can get Rashford back firing again, that price tag could be an absolute bargain.”
Barcelona could agree bargain Rashford transfer
As part of Rashford’s loan deal at Barcelona, Man United agreed to include a £30million option to buy, which could be viewed as a bargain for the Spanish giants if he gets back to his best.
Man United had been keen to sell Rashford permanently before being forced to accept a loan offer given the lack of options willing to pay his significant wages.
Having eventually landed a short-term move to Barcelona with the potential of making the deal permanent, his future will depend on how he performs in Flick’s side.
Rashford had his heart set on joining Barcelona and will be hoping to make the deal permanent, but will need to prove doubters wrong to convince them to make the move.
If he can replicate his performances on loan at Aston Villa last season, where he scored four goals and provided six assists in 17 games, he will give himself a shot.
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