Marcus Rashford could return to Manchester United next summer if Ruben Amorim leaves the club by then, according to former Red Devils coach Rene Meulensteen. Rashford left his boyhood club this year to join Barcelona on a loan deal after he was included in Amorim's 'bomb squad' during pre-season, alongside several other unwanted United stars.
Rashford back in form following Barcelona move
Since completing his season-long loan move to Barcelona during the summer transfer window, Rashford has rediscovered his game under Hansi Flick and has slowly established himself as a regular starter. The attacker has already recorded three goals and five assists in 11 matches across all competitions for the Catalan club and has also earned a call back to the England national team.
It is still unclear whether Rashford would return to United at the end of his season, especially with Amorim in charge of the club, as he clearly had fallen out with the Portuguese manager this summer. The Spanish giants also have an option to but the forward permanently next season for around €35 million (£30m/$41m), although they are compelled to trigger the option.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportFormer Man Utd coach's verdict on Rashford's return
Former United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen addressed the topic of Rashford's possible return to Old Trafford as he claimed that it is unlikely for the striker to return, with Amorim still in charge of the club.
Meulensteens was speaking to CasinoHawks, who offer the latest online casinos, and said: "Marcus Rashford back to Man Utd? That's a real personal choice, and things can change, you don't know. I don't think it would happen with Ruben Amorim, to be fair, because I think something must have happened for that move to be forced. So I don't know, but I think Marcus, and maybe Barcelona as well, would most likely want to see if they could make it a permanent deal because Marcus is 27 now, so he's still a good age. Playing in Spain is different than in the Premier League. It's not as demanding, especially with Barcelona having maybe 70% or more of the ball, which is a nice position to be in."
Rashford backed to become Barcelona's No.9
Rashford has already earned Flick's trust with consistent performances in the attack in both La Liga and Champions League matches. With Ferran Torres and Raphinha doubtful for both their Champions League clash against Olympiacos on Tuesday and El Clasico at the weekend, the German coach has confirmed his faith in the England international to spearhead the attack as their No.9.
Speaking to reporters, Flick said: "Rashford is a good option as a No. 9, but he can also play as a No. 11. That's what we thought when we signed him: he can play as a No. 9 or No. 11, and it's great to have him in our team. He's improved a lot in recent weeks. He gives us a lot of positives, and of course, he can play as a No. 9."
Getty Images SportRashford blamed Man Utd's 'inconsistent environment' for failures
Rashford experienced a major dip in his form in the last two seasons at Old Trafford as he managed to score just 19 goals across the two campaigns. In the second half of the 2024-25 season, the winger was sent out on a loan move, where he started to regain his confidence and long-lost form.
Addressing his issues at United, Rashford had earlier told : "For sure, consistency is a massive part of it. I feel like I have been in an inconsistent environment for a very long time, so it is even more difficult to be consistent. But I completely agree, I think consistency is what I need to bring into my game and I am looking to do that. I want to be at my best, not sometimes, but as often as possible. When people talk about consistency, in order to be consistent in anything not just sport, you need consistent variables in your life and the way you train. We have just had so many changes so far in my career but I have to look forward and that it definitely one of the things I want to put right and improve on to be at my best more often. When I am at my best I really enjoy everything about the sport."