Could Marcus Rashford really ditch his Barcelona dream for a stunning return to Manchester United? One former Red Devils insider certainly thinks so, but there's a huge catch.
Key Talking Points:
- Rod Thornley claims Marcus Rashford 'became unhappy' at Man Utd before his Barcelona move.
- Thornley believes Rashford could return if Michael Carrick remains at the Old Trafford helm.
- Rashford has publicly stated his desire to stay with Barcelona, aiming for trophies.
- Barca coach Hansi Flick acknowledges Rashford's talent but demands more consistency.
The Bold Prediction: Rashford's Old Trafford Return?
Rod Thornley, a veteran soft-tissue expert who worked extensively with both Manchester United and England, has dropped a bombshell. He firmly believes Marcus Rashford could be persuaded to abandon his current stint at Barcelona and make a shock return to Old Trafford. The crucial condition? Interim boss Michael Carrick must remain in charge.
Thornley, speaking on The Busby Way via talkSPORT, didn't hold back. He described a disillusioned Rashford during his final days at United, a stark contrast to the 'happy, lovely kid' he once knew.
"Moping Around": A Decline in Spirit
According to Thornley, Rashford underwent a significant shift in his demeanor at the club. "He became a different person," Thornley revealed. "I watched this player that used to be a happy, lovely kid just moping around, especially in the club."
This internal struggle, Thornley claims, eventually spilled onto the pitch. The passion and energy fans craved, and which Michael Carrick is now instilling, simply weren't there. Thornley starkly concluded that Rashford "half tossed off his Manchester United career."
The Spanish Dream: Rashford's Barcelona Ambition
Despite Thornley's strong conviction, Marcus Rashford himself has consistently expressed immense satisfaction with his new life in Spain. His move to Barcelona has seen him make a solid impact, contributing four goals and six assists across 13 La Liga starts.
Trophy Hunt in Catalonia
Rashford has been unequivocal about his future. "What I want is to stay at Barca. It's the ultimate goal... The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles," he declared.
He's also spoken glowingly about settling into Barcelona, feeling "very welcomed" by the staff and teammates. His focus remains squarely on helping the team secure more trophies.
The Manager's Verdict: Flick's Challenge to Potential
Even Barcelona's new manager, Hansi Flick, sees immense untapped potential in Rashford. While pleased with his contributions, Flick emphasized there's "always room for improvement" in his goal-scoring and final pass.
Flick highlighted Rashford's "speed and technique" as invaluable assets, but stressed the importance of "mentality, attitude during training" to reach peak performance. This suggests Rashford still has levels to unlock in Catalonia.
What's Next for the England International?
Currently, Rashford is sidelined with a knee injury, missing Barcelona's upcoming clash against Girona. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick's Manchester United squad, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, prepare to face Everton.
The debate rages: will Marcus Rashford remain committed to his Barcelona project, or could the allure of a rejuvenated Manchester United under Carrick truly tempt him back to his 'club'?
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