The marriage between Marcus Rashford and Manchester United ended in a messy divorce. Rashford made his debut for his boyhood club in 2015, and made almost 300 appearances for the club. But backroom politics, managerial changes, and other issues resulted in Rashford deciding to move on.
Rashford initially went out on loan to Aston Villa, but last summer, the club agreed a loan deal with an option to buy to Barcelona. For all considered, the move was a dream come true: Barcelona got their hands on a huge talent for a cut price, Rashford got a fresh start in a new team and league, and United avoided losing Rashford to one of their direct rivals.
This loan deal has caused problems, though. Barcelona's money troubles are well documented, and will look to reduce the agreed fee. Man United are reportedly remorseful of the deal they struck, believing this could've got more money for the English winger.
The Marcus Rashford Barcelona deal could drag on until the summer
Rashford has had a decent season for the Catalan outfit. He has recorded 9 goals and 9 assists in all competitions, including some crucial goals in the Champions League, as Barcelona currently sit second in La Liga.
Reports broke earlier this year that while Barcelona were interested in retaining Rashford, they would not pay the required £26m buy option in the contract, choosing to return to the negotiating table and try and lower the price.
Now, it has been reported that United are regretful of the price they set on Rashford. Rashford was always a player worth more than the price tag United had agreed for him, and he has only gone on to prove it at Camp Nou. United now believe they could've received up to £50m for him.
Rashford was famously added to Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad' along with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, which likely contributed to his low comparative value. But the gulf in valuations between the clubs shoudl spell danger for United fans and for Marcus Rashford himself.
With the two clubs being so far apart in their valuations of Rashford, United will be more than reluctant to budge on what they already consider to be a cut price for the Englishmen. Barcelona, on the other hand, are held back by their own finances, and will stubbornly avoid paying the agreed price.
The terms of the deal are seemingly frustrating Man United. If the deal was a straight loan, it's likely that they would've been able to get more money for him from an alternative suitor. From an outside perspective, it does seem like United have worked their way into a corner again.