Marcus Rashford's days at Manchester United look to be numbered after he was left out of Ruben Amorim's squad for the fourth game in a row. The English forward was nowhere to be seen either on the pitch or on the bench after the Red Devils fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Wolves (December 26).
The 27-year-old suggested he wanted a new challenge after Amorim dropped him for United's 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Derby (December 15). It seems like the club have decided its time to move on so a new era can begin at Old Trafford.
If Rashford does leave his boyhood club the question will turn to where he ends up. He's been linked with several of Europe's big guns and a move to Spain looks to be his favored destination.
Marcus Rashford 'dreaming' of Barcelona move
Spanish outlet Fichajes.net reports that Rashford's dream is to play for Barca who are one of the clubs thought to be interested in signing him. The Catalants are joined by Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain in keeping tabs on his situation at United.
Barca started the season strongly under new manager Hansi Flick, surging to the top of La Liga but have come off the boil recently. The German coach may feel he needs to bolster his attack in January and Rashford could be an exciting transfer opportunity for the Blaugrana.
It's said that Flick doesn't want to be over-reliant on Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, Barca's starting wingers. This could lead to Rashford arriving in an initial rotational role but if he finds his 2022-23 form, hitting 30 goals that season, he might earn his way into the starting XI.
Barcelona's stumbling block
Barca has experienced financial difficulties over the years, and this could scupper a move for Rashford. The Englishman sits on a reported £300,000 per week at United, which is likely a salary the La Liga giants won't be willing to pay.
Thus, the Blaugrana may view a loan move the more viable option to prise Rashford away from Old Trafford. It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will be open to this although a loan with an obligation to buy could help make the deal happen.