A big surprise unfolded during Manchester United training today when disgraced striker Marcus Rashford, Barcelona’s priority winter target, unexpectedly took part in Wednesday’s session, reports Sports World.
The Red Devils met to prepare for their upcoming UEFA Europa League match against Rangers and, to everyone’s surprise, 27-year-old Rashford took part in training and could possibly be included in Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Turn around in situation?
Rashford was widely expected to leave Manchester United during the latter stages of the transfer window, given that he has not played for them since December 12 and has been absent for eight of the last nine matchday teams.
Barcelona, as such, was emerging as a favorite to sign him on loan for the remainder of the season, although it is said that there was also an agreement on personal conditions.
However, his involvement in training has now introduced a new uncertain scenario regarding his future.
It is worth noting that United manager Amorim, following their recent 3-1 defeat to Brighton, acknowledged that Rashford had decided not to play the match and stated:
“I won’t select a player who I don’t think is the best for the team.”
These comments were interpreted as a sign that the player was about to leave the club imminently.
Meeting between Barcelona and Rashford camp
A meeting took place in Lisbon on Tuesday between Deco, Barcelona’s director of football, and agent Arturo Canales, where the possibility of Rashford’s move to Barcelona was discussed.
Deco was asked about this in the preview of Barcelona’s match against Benfica and he limited himself to commenting:
“We are working on the ‘fair play’ issue, resolving it. If in the end we can strengthen the team, we will try, but as of today there is nothing.”
With uncertainty surrounding Rashford’s possible inclusion for the upcoming European clash against Rangers, his future remains up in the air and it is not at all clear whether he will arrive in Barcelona or not.