Is this a little harsh on Marcus Rashford? Do you feel the same way?
From okkalibenson: I believe Rashford can do better if he come back to Man United.
Dan says: I love the positivity. It does feel like Rashford is coming back at this point so ultimately we need to get behind him.
Q from Jonny: Is there a better left-wing option on the market right now for United?
Dan says: I feel like I would rather shoot for upside and target high potential. I really like Mika Godts at Ajax. But I could understand if other fans were reluctant ater the Antony debacle.
Q from Callum Boyle: When the dust settles, what do you think Marcus Rashford’s legacy will be?
Dan says: If Rashford left today, he would be remembered fondly. He has been one of the best academy graduates since the Class of 92, with more than 130 goals for the club. If he had been fortunate to come through in a different era, under Fergie, he would have won a lot more.
Q from Dan Owen: If he doesn’t stay at United, where realistically does he end up?
Dan says: Hard to say. I think we could be looking at a return to Aston Villa, who have Champions League football next season, or if they decide they want him, he would jump at the chance to sign with Bayern. I still think the Barcelona track isn't completely dead either.
Q from Vatsal: What number does he wear if he returns? Each "marquee" number is taken. Which leads me to - what percentage of this "He's welcome back" talk is just posturing to keep his value up and what percentage is this actually true?
Dan says: It is an astute observation that Rashford's 10 shirt was re-assigned to Matheus Cunha last summer. It's possible he could take 11 if Joshua Zirkzee is sold, or even the currently vacant 20 in tribute to his former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It is a minor dilemma to solve. Is this posturing? We saw United do this with Jadon Sancho previously. I do believe United are exploring the market for a winger in case Rashford is sold, and I think they would remain open to offers at the right price. But crucially I think we are seeing this report about a possible return because United have already canvassed the market and are seriously worried there won't be a bidder, so are now smoothing the pathway to a return.
Q from Sean Fisher: With Rashford on reportedly £300-£350k per week, do you think him staying at Old Trafford will require a pay cut? If Rashford does return... does he start ahead of Cunha on the left?
Dan says: I can't see a pay cut being agreed to on his current contract. This expires in 2028, and I think if he is going to stay beyond that, Ineos won't be offering the same kind of wages. Does he start ahead of Cunha? I'm not convinced at all. He will also be competing with Patrick Dorgu for that spot too. I still think Rashford is the same player who left us. His World Cup performances haven't shown me anything different. So no I don't believe he should be an undisputed starter. However, with lots of fixtures next season, we need the depth.
Q from Dale O'Donnell: How do you think the majority of fans will feel if Rashford is back playing for United next season? Also, do you think he has been guilty of showing the club any disrespect over the past year? A. No doubt Rashford will need to repair his relationship with United fans.
Dan says: I felt it was disrespectful to release a statement during the 2024/25 season three weeks after a new head coach was appointed, saying that he wanted to move on. Imagine the reaction if Paul Pogba did that during his time there? He was hammered more for less. Everything that has happened since, I feel is repairable. Rashford wanted to stay at Barcelona, we knew that. He gave that move everything he has and I don't hold that against him necessarily. There's a real split on Rashford among fans that can only really be mended by positive performances if he does stay.
Q from Tom Procter: Can you see a new lease of life for Rashford at United with Michael Carrick now at the helm? Do you think he’d been keen to play under him specifically?
Dan says: Yes I believe this is the key. Rashford has worked alongside Carrick before and even played with him. Also remember that he also worked with Carrick's assistant Steve Holland, who was part of Gareth Southgate's staff with England. They know what makes Rashford tick, and they can bring some enjoyment back to his game.
Q from Freddie: Do you think Rashford has the attitude to succeed ANYWHERE, let alone Man United? Ability has never been his issue.
Dan says: I don't think attitude was the issue at Barcelona at all. He gave it everything and wanted to be there. The trouble was he was competing with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha and was never going to be a starter. In the right situation he can thrive.
Q from Brogan Clasper: Spurs fan here - have seen a number of links with Tottenham being keen to signal we'd be open to paying his massive salary. How would you, as a United fan, feel about seeing Rashford permanently move to another PL side?
Dan says: Tottenham could be the wildcard club to pay attention to. You can rule City and Liverpool out immediately. Chelsea, I wouldn't fear, he would get lost there among their 50 other wingers. Arsenal I think would haunt us if he went there. Tottenham I could see making a play as there is clear ambition under De Zerbi. I wouldn't feel comfortable seeing Rashford playing for another English club but we have been here already with his loan at Villa, and Spurs are one of the more palatable options.
Q from Peter Lynch: What does Rashford need to do to be the player many expected him to be?
Dan says: Rashford has shown what he is capable of. He scored 30 goals in 2022/23. Nobody is telling him this wasn't good enough, and he must improve. What he has to do is show he can replicate it. In his career that was a one-off. He followed it up in 2023/24 with only eight goals - under the same manager. That's where the fan frustration has built up.
Q from Mark Marston: Do you think Rashford actually wants to be at Man United next season?
Dan says: I currently have no evidence to believe that he does, beyond simply lacking other options. Rashford has wanted out since December 2024 when he issued a statement declaring he wanted a new challenge. United facilitated that, sending him to Aston Villa and then Barcelona. Neither side met United's fairly low asking price for a permanent deal. Now he is stuck in a difficult spot. I do believe Michael Carrick would be open to bringing him back, having worked with Rashford previously when he was at United, as an assistant and a player. I feel like I at least need to hear him say, 'I want to play for Manchester United next season' to actually believe he wants to.
Here's the latest on Marcus Rashford's future via Fabrizio Romano. Could we really see him back in a Man Utd shirt?
Welcome to the United In Focus live TalkingPoints Q&A on Marcus Rashford starting from 1pm
I'm Dan Coombs and I'll be fielding questions about Marcus Rashford's possible return to United in 2026/27. Get your questions in below...!
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 evidently does not want to return to Man Utd - There is no way back for him surely?!
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Barcelona don't want to buy Marcus Rashford for just £26m
How would you respond to a second loan offer from Barcelona?
