Need to know
- Marcus Rashford has been chatting to Barcelona’s newest recruit and England team-mate Anthony Gordon about life at the Catalan club. The freshly signed winger has been picking up tips from the Manchester United academy graduate.
- Gordon’s arrival in La Liga might appear to have thrown Rashford’s own potential transfer into jeopardy, given both players favour the left flank. Yet Rashford, 28, had nothing but glowing words for the club.
- “He was just telling me how good the lads are there, the team spirit that they have, which I heard already from the people in Barca,” Gordon said. Rashford also offered guidance on where to set up home and was labelled ‘very caring’ by Gordon.
- Having spent a season on loan with the La Liga champions, Barcelona hold the option to sign Rashford outright for £26million. Nevertheless, they are keen to thrash out a reduced fee with United.
- The clause is due to expire on June 15th, with Barca eyeing a cut-price deal for the forward or potentially another loan arrangement.
- United have made clear they would not consider either of those alternatives, but with the clock ticking they will be pushed into deciding whether to ease their position.
- Old Trafford executives will need to weigh up whether this summer’s World Cup represents a chance for Rashford to drive up his value on the back of an encouraging campaign. Bayern Munich and Arsenal have both been linked with an interest, with the German champions thought to be ready to spend £34.5m for him.
- Rashford netted 14 goals and provided 14 assists during his season-long loan in La Liga, with crucial contributions coming in both domestic competition and the Champions League.
- The England international has already consented to halving his £325,000-a-week wages to stay with Barcelona. The player’s salary does not align with United’s structure under Ineos.
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