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What are the chances of Rashford returning?

[BBC]

Marcus Rashford's future has been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Manchester United' form.

There is no clarity on Rashford's long-term future just yet.

However, as Barcelona have just lost the two games he has been injured for, it may start to focus minds at the Nou Camp.

On the face of it, the decision is an easy one.

They simply could not find a forward with so much experience and so much talent anywhere else for £28m, the buyout figure agreed in Rashford's summer loan deal.

There are complications though.

First, Barca's financial issues are well documented. For a player like Rashford, the fee is only part of the financial commitment. Even a two-year contract on the salary he was getting at Old Trafford would eclipse the fee, which United are not prepared to reduce.

It seems the 28-year-old is enjoying himself with the Catalan giants. He has scored 10 goals and forced his way back into the England squad. But 14 of his 34 appearances have come off the bench. Will that be enough?

Then there is United's view.

It might be some time before we find out who the club's manager will be next season. What will they think?

We do know Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to drive down the wage bill and when Casemiro leaves in the summer, Rashford will be one of the club's highest earners, regardless of the fact he won't have featured for them in 18 months.

With his contract not due to expire until 2028, would they try to reintegrate a player who had zero intention of returning to the club if Ruben Amorim remained in charge?

There is also the knowledge United could sell Rashford to a different club, where the £28m clause does not apply. That, however, would need the player's agreement.

A return to Barcelona remains the most likely outcome next season but, as it stands, no-one can be sure where Rashford will be once the World Cup is over.

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