Marcus Rashford has been given a 'route back' to Manchester United after it seemed he was destined to leave the club permanently, according to former coach Rene Meulensteen. The Dutchman, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, believes Michael Carrick's permanent appointment as manager could facilitate a reunion.
Rashford's Loan at Barcelona
Rashford, 28, has completed his season-long loan at Barcelona, making his final appearance in a 3-1 defeat at Valencia. Barcelona had the option to sign him permanently for £26 million, but Meulensteen suggests a return to Old Trafford is possible.
Meulensteen's View
'There is a route back for Marcus Rashford because Michael Carrick knows him,' Meulensteen told Boyle Sports. 'Marcus has grown up as a little kid from Manchester. He's Manchester United through and through. Maybe it has been good for him to move away for a while, just to look back at Manchester United from the outside in. Because it will also have given him the opportunity to realise how much Man United actually means to him.'
Carrick's Appointment
Carrick, a former teammate of Rashford, has taken charge of United permanently after impressing as interim manager. He has revived the form of several players, and restoring Rashford to his best could be another achievement. Rashford's relationship with previous managers Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim had soured, leading to loan moves to Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Barcelona's Decision
The ball is in Barcelona's court regarding the £26 million clause. If they decide not to trigger it, Rashford could return to United for a conversation with Carrick about his future.
