Michael Carrick is reportedly determined to ensure Marcus Rashford remains a part of Manchester United.
Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, has been in exceptional form, recently showcasing his talent with a spectacular free-kick in the Champions League against Copenhagen, bringing his season total to nine goals and 12 assists.
The English forward is enjoying his time in Spain, and indications suggest that Barcelona is keen to exercise the £26 million buy clause in his loan agreement next summer, budget permitting.
Rashford and Carrick share history as teammates at United, dating back to 2016 when Rashford made his debut under Louis van Gaal.
With Barcelona leading LaLiga and advancing to the Champions League knockout stages, Rashford has a unique opportunity to achieve remarkable success with the club this season, making a departure seem unlikely.
Michael Carrick reportedly wants to keep Marcus Rashford when his loan at Barcelona expires
The Man United boss is an admirer of Rashford, but the forward is happy in Barcelona
All the signs point to Barcelona and Hansi Flick wanting to activate his £26million buy clause
In October, when asked by ESPN about a permanent move, Rashford expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “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 apparently bonded well with Lamine Yamal, who he expressed excitement over the prospect of playing with before he joined.
‘I knew he was good before I played with him. But to play with him everyday is unbelievable,’ he told ESPN in October.
‘Relationships on the pitch, the ones I am still learning, are very important. When it comes to the matchday, these are things which make small differences.’
Initially greeted with a stay at the five-star Gran Melia Torre Melina, where a President one-bed suite can cost up to £3,233 per night, Rashford has since put down roots in the city after moving into an apartment in the upmarket district of Esplugues de Llobregat.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Colleserola mountains, the commune on the outskirts of the city has played host to scores of Barcelona icons, including Gerard Pique and Andre Iniesta.
The plush surroundings allow for time spent pursuing new hobbies when Rashford takes time off from training, including padel and fishing, and indulging in delicious Mediterranean cuisine local to region such as Spanish jamon and fresh seafood.
‘I’d probably say paella is my favourite,’ he added in his BBC interview.
Rashford has been looking like a man reborn since his loan move to Barcelona
The Manchester United star has rediscovered fine form on the pitch in his new Catalan home
After first staying at a luxurious Gran Melia hotel Rashford has now put down roots in Catalonia
The 28-year-old has also been enjoying Mediterranean food and the opportunity to fish
Rashford claimed his first winners’ medal with Barca after winning the Spanish Super Cup
Rashford has also been able to relocate his dog, a Cane Corso called Saint, and has shared pictures of friends and family staying at his new pad, deepening the feeling of homeliness he appears to have established in Catalonia.
‘It’s been amazing,’ Rashford said of his move in December in an interview with the BBC. ‘I feel welcome, I feel at home. I’ve just been enjoying every step of the way.’
‘Learning the language and stuff like that, learning the culture, it’s all enjoyable for me,’ he continued. ‘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.’
Manager Hansi Flick would like Rashford to stay. He has spoken about his mentality being at the ‘best level’ and also said recently: ‘Speed, finishing, control. He has amazing quality, really.’
While Ruben Amorim, who ostracised Rashford, has gone, United and Carrick may face an uphill battle in persuading Rashford to return.
