It all worked out for Marcus Rashford.
There was a time when if you said Rashford was a league title winner, it would have meant the glory days had returned to Manchester United. The Wythenshawe-born striker was once synonymous with the youth programme that United boast about, but now he's a history-maker at Spotify Camp Nou and his future is stuck in limbo.
Rashford's preference is to stay in Barcelona beyond his season-long loan from Old Trafford; the only thing stopping him from making that a reality is that he's not a "magician". From his own words, if he were, he'd stay in Spain.
The landscape for Rashford is different now. He's not only a LaLiga winner with Barcelona, but he's a history-maker. He'll always be remembered in Catalonia for his ninth-minute Clasico free-kick that helped them seal the league against Barca's arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Despite his 14 goals and 14 assists for Barcelona this season in all competitions, there's been this overall feeling that his move to the Spanish giants has left a lot to be desired. That isn't the case now; the decision to sign Rashford was vindicated by one free-kick, one performance in one Clasico.
Away from that, though, Rashford is playing some of the most productive football of his career in Spain. His 87 minutes per goal or assist for Barcelona is his best of his entire career. His role at Barcelona has been a far cry from the level of responsibility he had at Old Trafford but his contributions have been vital.
With injuries all across the forward line at varying levels throughout the season, Rashford has remained fit and ready to be called upon. During El Clasico, his first start in a month, he filled in for Lamine Yamal on the right-hand side.
His versatility has also seen him come in for the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha across the season. It's been a change to Rashford's status within a wider squad in his career but it's a change he's taken on with no complaints.
Among the squad, he's a popular figure also, forming a close relationship with Roony Bardgjhi and is looked upon as one of the side's most experienced players in a young Barca squad.
There's no doubt that he's left a positive impression in Barcelona; now, the newly-crowned champions would like him to stay at Spotify Camp Nou, but that isn't without its obstacles.
Barcelona have a £26m option to buy Rashford this summer as per the loan terms they agreed with United in July. The financial problems at Barcelona have now forced them into a difficult position, where they simply cannot honour the original agreement, and they need to renegotiate with United.
However, the problem is that United are not interested in renegotiating the fee, and Sky Sports News understands there is confidence he could be sold for a higher fee elsewhere.
If Barcelona are not prepared to pay the option, that would leave Rashford in cold storage, as from his perspective, a return to Carrington this summer for pre-season is unthinkable. However, Rashford, who is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028, is still a United player and will be expected to behave as such.
Rashford no longer even has a squad number available at Old Trafford, which reflects the fresh start that both United and the player were more than happy to take last summer.
Some point to the relationship Rashford has with Michael Carrick, his former team-mate, or the 28-year-old's recent social media activity, congratulating his boyhood club on qualifying for the Champions League as giving a lifeline to Rashford's United career.
However, despite Carrick being in a strong position to be handed the permanent role at United, Sky Sports News were told last month that both the player, his representatives and the club will continue to work on securing him a permanent move away from Old Trafford.
Speaking last month, Carrick said no decision had been made on his future.
While his club future is unclear, Rashford can now look forward to extending his trophy collection by trying to help England win the World Cup this summer. He's considered a shoo-in for Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England squad that will be announced on May 22.
Rashford can expect to bring his big-game contributions to the biggest stage, with the forward understood to be the outright starting option on the left-hand side.
The World Cup will mark a return to a major tournament for Rashford, who was omitted from England's last Euros. Now very much back in favour under Tuchel, six starts for the German coach in Tuchel's first 12 experimental fixtures show his importance.
This summer in the USA will be crunch time, though, but with his future put in the back of his mind, Rashford, the history maker, will continue to try and make some more, with his nation.
Thamu
0
We dnt want him at United we now hv Cuhna
mirin
2
wearing jercy number 14, score 14 goals , and 14 assists. wow!! #Rashy
nicklptz
3
Good for him let him stay there.
Ophysia6921
0
broke Barac better buy Rashford for chip and forget a 100mil players. broke guys🤣
una wey no broke where una dey 😂
Howacdekpu
2
he is superb,congratulations be the champion
Wipbdorsty
2
broke Barac better buy Rashford for chip and forget a 100mil players. broke guys🤣
Pubdikorsz
1
you're doing some wonders Rashford keep it up young man
Hritangshu93
2
I love Rashford but after watching the entire season I can tell you that I can't trust him 100%. Gary Neville is right about him.....he will score an absolute blinder and after 5 minutes miss an empty tap in or a 1v1 ....... people are talking about his GA contribution but believe me anyone pacey with good dribbling and decent scoring skills can have that stats because we do create a lot of chances......more than most European teams.......I can say Godts or Nusa or Diamonde or Akhliouche for that matters will have the same impact here......
Vibekare4
0
By analysing his contribution towards Fc Barcelona, i think he should get 1 more season loan but not buy him permanently.
That is true man But he should not risist
rafaeljoel
2
Let him remain we moved on from Ronaldo Rooney and Tevez who's he let him go wr have suffered laughed mockery but still survived
Lion-El-MessiBarca
2
He needs to put more works. He needs more technics, take on defenders and tracking back also
Feyacdilnz
3
Come back home Rushy
boncituz
0
Stay there. Manchester United is fine without you
Let's wait and watch till when they'll be fine... if there's no replacement for carrick...
ataurbinkhan
0
ok
ataurbinkhan
0
okay
Hipaeklnz
1
good job 👍👍👍
wuaacdiyz
2
Barcelona must do everything to keep this guy
RachelTangi
0
blud is coming back home. I'm sure he'll excel under Carick.
Lakkotyz
1
he is a spiritual player
Doyikrsuz
0
By analysing his contribution towards Fc Barcelona, i think he should get 1 more season loan but not buy him permanently.
good comment
cekalnsuyz
0
By analysing his contribution towards Fc Barcelona, i think he should get 1 more season loan but not buy him permanently.
Barca thinks we are stupid Abi, we will sell the boy to another club that will pay good money
Wamelpstuy
0
By analysing his contribution towards Fc Barcelona, i think he should get 1 more season loan but not buy him permanently.
Brokeass club
Emchi
3
Stay there. Manchester United is fine without you
ksantos
0
The future is very clear it is Barcelona and Barcelona, his breakup and his salary won't be welcomed at United.
haseimnouy
2
loan him again
Riykorsty
2
Buy him permanently
Davichi
2
It's difficult to say what will happen to Rashford. He certainly had some impact at Barcelona and that wonderful free kick in the El Clásico won't be forgotten. However, his overall impact leaves some questions to be answered. I do not believe this at all. What does Barcelona need Gordon for? I'd prefer Rashford stays. Join on Télegram 👇 AllFóotball_Barca AllFóotball_ManUtd ÀF_Messi
Brilliantmann
0
By analysing his contribution towards Fc Barcelona, i think he should get 1 more season loan but not buy him permanently.
we are selling him to teams that have money...
GuotRayvanny
0
🙏🙏🙏
Dante708
1
By analysing his contribution towards Fc Barcelona, i think he should get 1 more season loan but not buy him permanently.