Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has offered his view on Marcus Rashford’s future.
Marcus Rashford faces uncertainty over his future, with Barcelona backing away from a permanent deal.
Barcelona decided to spend big to sign Rashford’s England teammate Anthony Gordon, a decisive snub for the Manchester United forward.
Rashford has appeared reluctant to return to Manchester United, with TeamTalk reporting that the Red Devils are trying to find another exit path for the World Cup-bound attacker.
Antonio Valencia believes Manchester United should be pushing to keep Rashford around next season.
Marcus Rashford evidently does not want to return to Man Utd – There is no way back for him surely?!
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Antonio Valencia keen on Marcus Rashford stay
Antonio Valencia played alongside Marcus Rashford at Manchester United. The Ecuador international left Old Trafford in 2019, with Rashford breaking through in 2016.
Valencia told Hajper: “I would bring Marcus Rashford back to Manchester United. He is a homegrown and someone that the fans love, and he would return more mature and with confidence.
“It made me very happy to see Rashford playing again at a high level. His performances have improved. That makes me happy.
“I knew him at Manchester United. He is a very professional boy. I would like to see him back at Manchester United, now a little more mature and more focused.
“I think he would be very good for Manchester United as a left winger or a second striker.”
Rashford had a mixed time at Barcelona during his loan spell. His numbers show how productive he was, but his impact was greater in the first half of the season.
He spent most of the second half of the campaign on the bench, until an injury to Raphinha gave him a second opportunity.
Rashford’s high wages at Barcelona were likely off-putting, and now Manchester United must try to find a solution.
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Antonio Valencia backs Michael Carrick
Antonio Valencia also gave his thoughts on Manchester United under Michael Carrick, with the head coach appointed on a permanent basis last month.
He said: “Carrick has been a very intelligent coach. He has been building something, and it has not been easy.
“Now we are back in the Champions League. We had spent a long time away from that competition, so now it is important to keep competing with the big teams.”
Valencia said that Carrick must make several signings to bring Manchester United’s squad to the level required to compete for the Premier League title.
“I think United need another central midfielder. They also need a striker, and I think they need a left-back too. Three or four top signings.
“If they do that, I think Manchester United will start well. United are a club that like winning trophies, so hopefully this summer they can make big signings and compete again like they did in the old days.”
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