Man Utd: Marcus Rashford sends Spanish media into frenzy as pressure piled on club | Football | Sport
Marcus Rashford’s future is a hot topic across the Spanish media today, with the wantaway Manchester United forward plastered over front pages and digital coverage. The current direction is heading towards a loan move to Barcelona until the end of the season, but plenty has to happen before the dominoes fall into place.
Rashford hasn’t featured in 10 consecutive matches since Ruben Amorim excluded him from his squad for the 2-1 victory against Manchester City on December 15.
The 27-year-old entered the January transfer window destined to pursue a new challenge, as he publicly confirmed a day after United’s dramatic win at the Etihad Stadium.
However, with just 10 days until the winter window slams shut, Rashford continues to watch Amorim’s side from a corporate box at Old Trafford rather than on the pitch – or even from the bench.
AC Milan were considered the frontrunners before they opted to fill their allotted British player spot – due to Brexit rules – to sign Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker.
AS Monaco, Besiktas, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham and West Ham United have also been credited with an interest, but Rashford’s preference is clear.
The Red Devils No. 10 wants Barcelona. And, according to Spanish outlets, the feeling is very mutual. Yet, there are hurdles to leap.
Mundo Deportivo and SPORT are among the outlets reporting that Rashford is ready to accept a wage cut to land in Catalonia this month.
But it’s claimed that while the England international is willing to make the sacrifice, United would still have to contribute towards his salary if Barca were to afford him.
The La Liga giants, impressively, have a worse financial track record than the Glazer regime in M16. It has left Rashford at risk of an awkward extended stay.
He earns a £15.6million annual salary before bonuses and is due around £7.5m until the end of the season.
However, Barcelona are reportedly only in a position to offer £2.5m, meaning United would have to contribute as high as £5m – depending on the wage cut Rashford is willing to take.
One could speculate that United are being pressured to meet the La Liga giants’ requirements to ensure Amorim can offload the out-of-favour forward.
The Portuguese tactician will be keen to resolve the futures of Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho as quickly as possible so he can recruit a replacement before the February 3 deadline.
Antony is set to complete a loan switch to Real Betis until the end of the season, which should free up funds to seal a deal for Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu.
