Average option, but you won’t be able to find a better one.
Amorim is consistent
The Portuguese did what Ten Hag didn’t have the courage to do (even though he had enough with Sancho): he removed the problematic leader from the lineup. Ruben first said it was a question of professionalism: he doesn’t want to tell the players what to do, because they themselves should know. After Marcus’ double against Everton, the manager said the Englishman was capable of more and needed to focus on Arsenal. Before the derby Manchester United Rashford and Garnacho were left out of the squad – the Portuguese explained it by raising his standards. Here is perhaps the main thought of Amorim:
I expect all players to train every day and fulfill certain obligations outside of training. I don’t know how they dress, since I only see them in uniform. I don’t know what they’re eating, I don’t look at their plates, I just wanted to point that out. I don’t care how my players dress, it’s all about attention to detail. I expect each of them to prepare for matches in the best possible way.
During his entire stay at the club, the Portuguese did not take a step back. Rashford has missed seven league matches in a row and did not play against Tottenham and Arsenal in the League Cup and FA Cup respectively. The question here is rather that in a month without training, the winger did nothing to convince the coach. And this is precisely the key point.
Catalans seek reinforcements among struggling stars
It is clear that the sheikhs are ready to recover the recent star of the Red Devils. For Saudi Arabia, a recognizable football player is a prized possession (even if they made a mistake with Neymar in terms of gameplay). But Marcus himself absolutely does not want to retire from football and is ready to consider only clubs from the largest European championships. Interest has been reported from Milan and Borussia Dortmund. Today, Barcelona joined the negotiations and progressed very quickly. For Catalans, transactions of this nature are becoming a habit.
Last year, Xavi brought in two players who had problems with the previous team. Cancelo lost Guardiola’s trust and was already on a business trip to Bayern. João Felix moved with him to Catalonia, wanting to cut ties with Atlético. And both didn’t turn out so bad. The defender eventually earned a place in the starting role, scoring two goals and four assists in 32 league appearances, and the forward made 30 appearances in La Liga, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. Another question is that it was not possible to arrange a full-fledged transfer neither with City nor with Atlético. Now it’s Rashford’s turn.
It’s not a good deal, but Barca can’t get more
Doesn’t that remind you of anything? Moreover, in the summer of 2022, they recruited Raphinha to play on the right flank, even though Xavi already had a starting player in this position – Dembélé (the coach trusted the Frenchman and brought him to the previous level ). Or the transfer of Lewandowski, while Aubameyang integrated perfectly into the team. So now, renting Rashford doesn’t make much sense either – Barca’s flanks are already well equipped.
Using him on the left instead of Raphinha would be a crime. The Brazilian had already suffered enough – he had to adapt to the opposite flank, since Dembélé was already on the right – and then Yamal shone. Rafinha is now having his best game for Barça, scoring 11 goals and eight assists in the league. How do you exchange a leader for a questionable footballer? For the same reason, the road to starting on the right flank is closed – Lamina cannot sit on the bench. The advantage remains – but even there, I remember Lewandowski’s youth (16 goals in 19 league games). Robert has slowed down lately – and despite this, Marcus will not be the first choice up front. It is certainly not a 100% gain – it’s just that you won’t be able to find anything better in the Catalans’ conditions. It is impossible to find money for a full transfer; there are still free agents and leases. Marcus is motivated to prove that he is still at the top. In addition, Robert is scoring less often than at the beginning of the season – and the Englishman has experience as a center forward.
In any case, even such a deal for the Blaugrana is questionable. The Englishman has a high salary: he will have to pay nine million euros in six months. You can take part of your salary
Манчестер Юнайтед – and even then, they will have to make room on the wage bill to meet the requirements of La Liga’s Financial Fair Play. Simply put, to register Rashford, you need an exit transfer. The most realistic option is considered to be the sale of Eric Garcia to Girona (another potential buyer is Como). According to the latest information, Barça have already agreed on the terms of the contract with the player; he will wait for the club to release the salary sheet until the transfer window closes. Renting is Marcus’ only chance
Many things indicate that the point of no return has been passed – and only a serious upheaval can resurrect Marcus. Amorim, again, stressed that he demanded self-discipline from players – and a few seasons earlier Rashford was seen as a model of professionalism. If the winger deteriorated so quickly and failed to convince the new coach within a month, then more drastic measures are necessary.
At the same time, the winger wants to continue playing for his hometown club. It is noteworthy that he does not have serious disagreements with Amorim – the footballer is ready to play if he gets into the team. The best option for such introductions is rental. This is a good shake-up, an opportunity to look at football from a different perspective, and ultimately – to find a new team (if the club and the player like the cooperation experience). At the same time, bridges with
Manchester United where Marcus will return renewed.Marcus Rashford
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