Club’s lack of urgency over Marcus Rashford transfer proves Man Utd forward’s delusion with Barcelona wish

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United are set for a frantic couple of weeks as the January transfer window draws to a close.

Unlike winter windows gone by, the Red Devils are expected to be one of England’s busiest clubs.

United’s owners have made nearly every player available for transfer, including homegrown prospect Alejandro Garnacho, who has agreed personal terms with Napoli.

Although Garnacho’s departure would open a few eyes, the highest profile Manchester United player expected to leave Old Trafford is Marcus Rashford.

All talk, no action in Marcus Rashford transfer saga

Interest in Rashford has been well-reported. The 27-year-old’s availability is rumoured to have caught the attention of several clubs in Europe.

AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund were among those first to enquire, Chelsea have tested the waters too with West Ham also considering making a late offer for Rashford.

Although the winger’s feelings on staying in the Premier League are unknown, according to David Ornstein, he is less inclined to play for AC Milan and Dortmund due to the sides sitting 8th and 10th, respectively, in their domestic leagues.

Listen to what the reliable journalist had to say about the situation.

So with Milan and Dortmund down the list, Chelsea failing to follow up on their initial enquiry and West Ham unlikely to be able to meet United’s financial demands, Rashford’s preference is to join Barcelona.

The problem is though — as things stand — Rashford doesn’t have any option available to him.

Living in a dream world

Despite Rashford being available for permanent transfer, or loan, and his representatives holding meetings with several club officials already, Manchester United have yet to receive a single concrete offer.

Supposedly a difficult market to operate, clubs don’t often see “premium” players up for sale in January. Yet, that’s exactly what they’ve been shown with Rashford… And still no one wants him.

Where’s the clamber for his signature? The multi-club bidding war? The queue of private jets ready to fly him out of Manchester?

There isn’t any because the player isn’t as good as he thinks he is, or as his ridiculous £375,000-a-week (Capology) contract suggests.

Admittedly, there is still a lot of time left in the window, and as we know in football, just about anything can happen, but Rashford spending the second half of the season at the Nou Camp feels as likely as United finishing inside the top four does.

No way does a forward with 11 league goals in 18 months disrupt a team boasting Raphinha and Lamine Yamal as their first-choice wingers.

The only difference Rashford would find between staying at Manchester United and moving to Barcelona is that it’s not as chilly on the subs bench in Spain.

Not that he’ll get the chance to find out…

Over to you, Graham Potter and, dare I say it, Eddie Howe.