Key Takeaways
- Michael Carrick says Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United future is still open.
- Barcelona can sign Rashford for £26 million, but have not yet acted on the clause.
- United will not lower the price and may look for other buyers if Barca walk away.
Michael Carrick insists no final call has been taken on whether Marcus Rashford will pull on a Manchester United shirt again.
The England striker, 28, is spending the season at Spotify Camp Nou after a loan at Aston Villa last term. A reported bust-up with former United manager Ruben Amorim put his Old Trafford career on ice.
Barcelona’s deal includes an option to buy the forward for £26 million, yet the Spanish giants have not triggered it. Carrick refused to rule anything in or out when asked about a possible homecoming.
“Choices will have to be made later, and Marcus is part of that,” the caretaker boss said. “Right now, nothing is settled. Talks will come, but we are not at that stage.”
Rashford has hit 12 goals and set up 13 more in 43 games for Barça, although a dip in form saw him left out of the Champions League second-leg loss to Atlético Madrid.
Sky Sports News says United will not drop the £26 million figure, believing they can fetch a similar or better fee from another club if Barcelona step back.
Carrick also confirmed that plans to strengthen the left flank are under discussion. RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye are among the names being tracked ahead of the summer window.
“We are speaking about recruitment, but timing matters,” he added. “Nothing is locked in yet, yet the chats have started.”