Ruud Gullit believes that Marcus Rashford’s return to Manchester United could prove to be the ‘best Premier League signing of the summer’.
Rashford’s time in Manchester appeared to be up when he joined Barcelona on loan last summer, a deal that was expected to be made permanent in a £26million deal.
The 28-year-old had made no bones about his desire to extend his stay at the club, but the Catalan giants instead decided to pursue a deal for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.
After a break following the World Cup, Rashford has now joined up with United’s pre-season training, watching from the sidelines as the Red Devils drew 1-1 against Leeds United on Wednesday.
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And while an exit from Old Trafford appeared far more likely earlier in the summer, a lack of serious suitors prepared to meet United’s £40m asking price means the Englishman now looks set to return to his boyhood club.
But former Chelsea manager Gullit expects Rashford to come back to the Premier League with a point to prove, and believes keeping the winger could prove United’s best piece of business this summer.
‘Marcus Rashford could end up being the best signing,’ he told Sport Witness.
‘He learned a lot at Barcelona and played much better, with far more freedom, than he ever did at Manchester United.
‘Was that his fault, or was it down to the environment at the club? It’s very easy to point fingers at the player. But if he performs well elsewhere, it suggests something was wrong in his previous environment.
‘So that could prove to be a fantastic move, for Manchester United if he stays, and performs like he did at Barcelona.’
Rashford’s return to United has also been endorsed by former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand, who recently said: ‘Rashford is back at Manchester United at the training ground and guys, he’s like a purring Ferrari man.
‘He looks fit, he looks ready. And you know what, there’s a smile on his face and there’s a little spring in his step.
‘We don’t know which way this is going to go and how it’s going to pan out by the end of this transfer window. But you know what, I hope he stays and he will be like a new signing at the football club.
‘And could this be the motivated Marcus Rashford to come out and prove all the doubters and all the people wrong? And all the naysayers.
I hope it is. Let’s watch this space.’
Speaking after United’s draw with Leeds, Michael Carrick hinted that Rashford was in his plans ahead of the new season.
‘He’s our player, you know, and he’s come back great. He’s just like any other player,’ Carrick told ITV1.
‘I’ve known Marcus a long time and, you know, he gives us something a little bit different. And he’s been in great spirits since he’s been back.
‘He’s been back two or three days training and it’s just pretty normal, to be honest. And we’re looking forward to the start of the season.’
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