Michael Carrick Aims to Secure Marcus Rashford’s Future at Manchester United
Michael Carrick, current interim manager at Manchester United, intends to make a decisive move to retain Marcus Rashford at the club if appointed permanently. Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, continues to impress with his performances, including a remarkable free-kick goal in the Champions League against Copenhagen, bringing his season totals to nine goals and 12 assists.
The England international appears settled in Spain, where Barcelona leads LaLiga and advances in the Champions League. Indicators suggest the club may exercise the £26 million buy option in Rashford’s loan agreement this summer, provided finances allow. However, Carrick, who played alongside Rashford during the 2016 season under Louis van Gaal, remains committed to bringing the forward back to Old Trafford, where his contract runs until 2028.
Rashford’s Thriving Spell in Catalonia
Rashford has rediscovered his top form since joining Barcelona, contributing significantly to their success. In October, when asked about a potential permanent transfer, he expressed enthusiasm, stating, ‘Oh yeah, for sure. I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player, it is an honour.’
He has developed a strong on-field partnership with young star Lamine Yamal. Rashford shared his admiration in an interview, noting, ‘I knew he was good before I played with him. But to play with him every day is unbelievable. Relationships on the pitch, the ones I am still learning, are very important. When it comes to matchday, these are things which make small differences.’
Off the field, Rashford has integrated into local life. After an initial stay at the luxurious Gran Melia Torre Melina hotel, he relocated to an upscale apartment in Esplugues de Llobregat, a neighborhood favored by Barcelona legends like Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta. Nestled against the Collserola mountains, the area offers opportunities for new pursuits such as padel and fishing, alongside savoring regional delicacies like Spanish jamon, fresh seafood, and paella—his self-proclaimed favorite.
Settling In and Building Connections
Rashford has brought his Cane Corso dog, Saint, to Spain and hosted friends and family at his new home, fostering a sense of belonging. In a December interview, he described the experience positively: ‘It’s been amazing. I feel welcome, I feel at home. I’ve just been enjoying every step of the way.’
He added, ‘Learning the language and stuff like that, learning the culture, it’s all enjoyable for me. It’s something I wanted to do for a long time and this is the perfect opportunity. I’m understanding more now, and the speaking side of it, it’s more just confidence to do it in front of a group.’
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has praised Rashford’s contributions, highlighting his mentality as being at the ‘best level’ and commending his attributes: ‘Speed, finishing, control. He has amazing quality, really.’
Challenges for Carrick’s Ambition
Despite Carrick’s admiration for Rashford, the forward’s previous exclusion under former United manager Ruben Amorim complicates matters. With Barcelona’s strong position and Rashford’s evident happiness, convincing him to return could prove challenging. Rashford recently celebrated his first trophy with the club by winning the Spanish Super Cup, further solidifying his impact in Catalonia.
