Rashford's Old Trafford Return "Definitely" Possible, Says Meulensteen as Barcelona Battles Over Fee

The prospect of Marcus Rashford pulling on a Manchester United shirt again is far from fantasy, according to those in the know. Former Red Devils coach Rene Meulensteen has backed the England forward to potentially engineer a return to Old Trafford, suggesting the attacker remains fundamentally committed to the club where he came through the academy ranks.

Rashford's journey to Barcelona came after a productive six-month loan at Aston Villa last season, followed by a permanent summer switch to the Nou Camp. His departure was precipitated by a falling-out with then-manager Ruben Amorim, though the Portuguese boss's recent sacking could yet reshape the landscape for a homecoming.

"It could be a route back for Marcus Rashford at Man Utd, definitely," Meulensteen told BetGoat. "I think Marcus is still as 'red' as anyone because he came through the ranks as a young kid, and that will never go away, that will never leave him."

The former coach drew parallels with Scott McTominay's situation at Napoli, noting that both players have flourished after leaving Manchester. However, he stressed the value of their respective spells abroad in expanding their footballing horizons.

"It's the same with Scott McTominay. Both players have done extremely well wherever they've gone. But I think it was good for Marcus to have that spell away, first of all at Aston Villa, but now at Barcelona. It's a different culture, a different language, and a different style. Every week is different," Meulensteen explained.

He emphasised the unique intensity of English football: "The Premier League is different. It's so much more demanding than any league in the world. And I think he's enjoying his football, and that's the most important thing. He needs to enjoy his football."

Rashford has notched ten goals and thirteen assists for Barcelona this season, earning plaudits from the club's sporting director Deco. Yet reports persist that the Catalan outfit are exploring ways to trim the £26m permanent fee, with Manchester United standing firm in negotiations.

When asked about his satisfaction with Rashford's contribution, Deco offered enthusiastic backing: "Yes, definitely. I think it wasn't easy to come here. He has played at a very high level, with enormous demands at a club like Manchester United."

The 48-year-old acknowledged Aston Villa's willingness to keep Rashford had circumstances permitted, but stressed the player's singular focus on joining Barcelona. "But he only wanted to come to Barca, and that's a very positive thing. We were able to secure a loan. The fact that he took a pay cut to make it happen is a clear demonstration that he really wanted to come, and we're very happy about that. He's a player who contributes a lot to the team."

That financial sacrifice proved instrumental. Rashford accepted a reduction from his £300,000-per-week Manchester United wages down to £225,000 weekly, a concession that enabled Barcelona to navigate their well-documented fiscal constraints and complete the move.