El Nacional revealed a major surprise when it reported that Barcelona’s management is seriously considering ending Marcus Rashford’s loan and returning him to Manchester United in the upcoming winter transfer window.
Barcelona’s management, along with coach Hansi Flick, believes that Rashford has so far failed to provide the desired impact, and it has become clear that he lacks the rhythm or performance needed to make a difference in attack.
Catalan club officials have informed Rashford of the need to work more on his physical condition, while coach Flick considers him still “lost and very shy” on the field, and doubts are growing about the feasibility of his continued presence with the team beyond next January.
If Barcelona decides to end Rashford’s loan, they will have to pay Manchester United £4.3 million next January, according to the contract signed between the two parties. The contract includes a non-obligatory purchase option for £30 million next summer.
Rashford, 27, failed to score or assist in his first three La Liga matches for Barcelona and has been subjected to much criticism for his poor performances. This seems to have been widespread among fans, as well as among the club’s technical and administrative staff.
Adding to the pressure on Rashford is the fact that president Joan Laporta was not convinced by the idea of signing him in the summer, but was forced upon him by the Neco Williams crisis and the difficult economic situation. Therefore, he, along with sporting director Deco, wants immediate results or the player’s services will be terminated prematurely at Camp Nou.
