Marcus Rashford rumour addressed as Gary Lineker makes prediction about Man Utd ace

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Gary Lineker has predicted Marcus Rashford deserves a starting spot in England's XI at this year's World Cup. The former Match of the Day host made the assertion while addressing speculation surrounding Rashford's future at Manchester United .

Reports have surfaced suggesting interim United manager Michael Carrick is keen to bring the forward back to Old Trafford following the conclusion of his loan at Barcelona . However, it's believed Rashford is hesitant about returning to his boyhood club , where he hasn't featured since December 2024.

Speaking to Spanish football expert Alex Aljoe on The Rest Is Football , Lineker praised Rashford for his latest Barcelona performance. The Englishman was in the starting line-up as the Blaugrana demolished Mallorca 3-0 on Saturday, with Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Marc Bernal providing the goals.

"I want to start with someone who didn't score but got a lot of plaudits, and that's Marcus Rashford ," he said. "Because he's been in the news a little bit, that there's a rumour that Michael Carrick wants Rashford to go back.

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"And the rumour was that he actually doesn't want to go back. He's pretty happy. I saw a post this morning saying, 'Well played, Marcus. What a performance.' If you look at England [and] who plays on the left for England. I think at the moment, Rashford's miles ahead."

Anthony Gordon was put forward as another option, with the Newcastle ace poised to compete for Thomas Tuchel's left wing position. Morgan Rogers and Noni Madueke might also be viewed as contenders for that berth, but Lineker reckons Rashford holds the advantage.

"Rashford's been really, really good," he added. "And of course, it's a big advantage the way they play in Spain, that it's not so physically demanding. That come the World Cup, he won't be knackered like most of the players playing in the Premier League [laughs]."

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His most recent appearance in La Liga ended Rashford's run of finding the net in consecutive matches. He delivered the club's consolation goal in a 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad last month before scoring in a 3-1 triumph at Elche.

The 28-year-old has netted 10 goals and registered 13 assists in 34 appearances for Barca in all competitions. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether Hansi Flick has been persuaded to activate the permanent clause to acquire the player for roughly £26million as of yet.

Should Barcelona decline to exercise the buy option, Rashford will head back to Manchester in comparable circumstances to last summer. However, the crucial distinction is that it might be Carrick, rather than Ruben Amorim, making the decisions this time round.

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Having previously called Rashford his team-mate, Carrick might possess the expertise required to persuade the player he has a future back at the Theatre of Dreams. Yet Rashford's remarks indicate he may be keen to move on .

Regardless, his spell at the Camp Nou has demonstrated at least the quality he is still capable of producing at the highest level. And should Barca opt against securing his signature permanently, his period in the spotlight may well persuade another club to launch a bid.