Ineos have largely done a lot of repairs to Man Utd’s reputation in the transfer market, and a sliding doors moment is here.
From taking a stand on not overpaying for players and walking away, to not entertaining players who are in it just for the money, Man Utd have seen necessary pivots in strategy.
That has led to a more United dressing room than ever before, especially since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
The ultimate test of their work so far is now facing them in a sliding doors moment to protect the club’s reputation.
What’s YOUR message to Marcus Rashford after Barcelona’s deal for Anthony Gordon?
Should Man Utd use this reality check to try and bring Rashford back?
Marcus Rashford gamble played by Barcelona
The worst-kept secret of this transfer market is now finally true, as Barcelona have decided not to trigger Marcus Rashford’s buy option.
The option, worth €30m, is less than half of what Barcelona have paid for Anthony Gordon, and almost a quarter of what they’re bidding for Julian Alvarez.
Clearly, money is not a problem for them, and the fact that Rashford is willing to reduce his wages leaves that option off the table as well.
It’s clear that Barcelona are trying to take advantage of a situation where Rashford is desperate to join them, so they’re trying to corner United.
The hope is that Rashford will dig his heels in, reject every other offer that comes his way, and Barcelona can swoop in at the last moment again with a cheap loan deal.
Therein lies the Man Utd dilemma. It is a sliding doors moment for all the work they’ve done to repair the club’s reputation in the market.
Man Utd must rule out Rashford to Barcelona loan deal
It sounds petty, but after the way Barcelona have conducted themselves, and the way Rashford put pressure on Man Utd to force a permanent move, United need to stand up for themselves here.
Marcus Rashford evidently does not want to return to Man Utd – There is no way back for him surely?!
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Even if Rashford has to go on loan, United simply need to make it a point not to send him to Barcelona after everything the player and the club have pulled.
This would undo all the good work and set the precedent that you can take the club for a ride as long as you dig your heels in.
Teams will start tapping up players and lowballing United, and players will start throwing their toys out of the pram and reject moves everywhere except where they want.
It’s unfortunate that this situation has arrived with an academy graduate, but United need to take a stand here.
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