FC Barcelona remain betting favorites to sign Marcus Rashford amid latest Man United spat
Spanish giants, FC Barcelona remain in pole position to sign want-away Man United forward, Marcus Rashford before the end of their January transfer window, after news emerged this week regarding the latest spat between the academy product and head coach, Ruben Amorim.
Rashford, who has yet to feature for the Old Trafford side since a UEFA Europa League appearance against Viktoria Plzen, was spotted in training this week — alongside compatriot Luke Shaw, with the left full back ending closer to an expected return to the first team.
Marcus Rashford’s future up in the air ahead of window shut
However, following United’s win over Fulham last weekend on the road, Amorim once more called into question the application of Marcus Rashford in training — with the English wideman taking an almost do my assignment for me approach to preparation, leading to the Portuguese boss boldly claiming he would rather field a goalkeeper coach than the former if his attitudes remains.
“It’s always the same reason: the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It’s every day, every detail,” said Ruben Amorim in his post-match press conference at Craven Cottage about why Marcus Rashford was not available.
“If things don’t change, I will not change. It’s the same situation for every player, if you do the maximum and right things we can use every player.
“You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench. But I would put [Man Utd goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player [Marcus Rashford] who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”
And off the back of those incendiary comments, United academy product, Marcus Rashford has been linked with a further January exit from the club, with La Liga side, FC Barcelona closing as sizeable 5/4 betting favorites to sign the former this January.
In terms of incoming signings at United, the Premier League side are close to striking a full agreement with Lecce to sign left-sided wing back, Patrick Dorgu, with the Danish international reportedly agreeing to personal terms on a multi-year contract ahead of a medical assessment this week.
The signing of Dorgu may also come before a host of late-window activity for the Manchester side, who remain active in the market to bolster their attacking options amid the uncertainty regarding the future of both Rashford, and Argentine winger, Alejandro Garnacho.
With French forward, Randal Kolo Muani making the switch to Italian side, Juventus this window, United are reportedly in the market for a potential deal to sign his compatriot, Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea.
However, any deal to sign the former Red Bull Leipzig goalscorer may come after the future of Bayern Munich striker, Mathys Tel is clearer — with the Frenchman linked with a move to both United and a signature at Stamford Bridge.
Any potential move for Rashford to Spain to link up with Hansi Flick at FC Barcelona may also see some movement on the defensive front for the La Liga giants, with United reportedly suitors for another Danish international and former Chelsea man, Andreas Christensen.
Struggling for minutes under the German head coach, Christensen has been identified as a potential candidate to sure-up United’s defensive layout, with Amorim yet to successfully find a settled back three between Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and veteran center half, Jonny Evans.