Man Utd news: Rashford contract clause twist as Carrick dealt blow | Football | Sport

Michael Carrick faces a considerable challenge in maintaining Manchester United’s momentum when the club resumes competitive action. Following the international break, the Red Devils have a further week off while the FA Cup quarter-finals take centre stage.

The squad is shortly due to head off for an intensive training camp in Ireland to maintain match sharpness. The players will travel to Dublin on April 6 for a four-night stay ahead of the final seven fixtures of the season. Nevertheless, there are already several pressing matters to contend with. Fortunately for Carrick, two developing situations remain beyond his control as he looks to concentrate his efforts on on-field concerns.

One such matter he will have little influence over is Marcus Rashford’s transfer destiny. Here, Express Sport examines that and more in the latest United headlines.

Barcelona’s Rashford clause expires

For several months, many have been puzzling over what has been preventing Barcelona from securing Rashford’s signature on a permanent contract. The £26million fee included in his loan agreement at the Camp Nou was widely regarded as a bargain, yet that option is reportedly no longer available.

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Cadena SER claim that the terms of that arrangement expired at the end of March. What this effectively means is that Barcelona will now be required to negotiate a transfer fee for the player just like any other interested club.

This could indicate that the Catalan club are not fully committed to signing the England striker on a permanent basis. Alternatively, it may simply reflect Barcelona’s indecision at a time when the club’s financial situation remains precarious.

Club icon-turned-sporting director Deco was recently quizzed about Barcelona’s prospects of signing Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. He described the three months until summer as “like an eternity,” suggesting that he and fellow board members may share a similar outlook on Rashford’s future at the club.

It remains uncertain how much United might demand for their player, or whether Barcelona could still secure a slightly more favourable deal for Rashford, who is keen on a permanent move. What is certain, however, is that the Spanish side will be expected to pay a considerably higher fee than the cut-price sum they might have secured had they acted more promptly.

Maguire charged by the FA

Harry Maguire’s immediate availability for Carrick’s squad has been cast into doubt after he was charged by the Football Association. It emerged on Wednesday that the England defender faces the prospect of further sanctions following his red card at Bournemouth last month.

Maguire, 33, received a straight red card for grabbing Evanilson’s shirt in the penalty area before Bournemouth converted the subsequent spot-kick to level at 2-2. However, it was his response to referee Stuart Attwell and fourth official Matt Donohue that resulted in the charge.

“Harry Maguire has been charged after being sent off in the 78th minute of Man Utd‘s Premier League match against Bournemouth on March 20,” read an FA statement. “It’s alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal. Harry Maguire has until April 2 to provide a response.”

Maguire’s ban meant he was already set to sit out United’s fixture against Leeds on April 13. Nevertheless, his suspension could be extended depending on the verdict in his case and whether United decide to lodge an appeal.