Michael Carrick has plenty of food for thought this international break as Manchester United are tackling major issues both on and off the pitch
Michael Carrick has a task on his hands to keep Manchester United’s momentum going once the club resumes play.
After the international break concludes, the Red Devils have another week off while the FA Cup and Champions League quarter-finals are in the spotlight. The United squad are soon set to jet off for an intensive training camp in Ireland to keep things ticking over. The team will head to Dublin on April 6 for a four-night stay ahead of the final seven matches of the season.
However, there’s already a fair amount of upkeep to deal with. Fortunately for Carrick, however, two evolving situations are beyond his control as he aims to concentrate efforts on pitch-related matters. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Barcelona’s Rashford clause expires
For months now, many have been left puzzled over what has been preventing Barcelona from securing Rashford’s signature on a long-term contract.
The exclusive £26million fee included in his loan agreement at the Camp Nou was seen by many as a steal, but that offer to conclude the transfer is no longer available, reports the Mirror.
Cadena SER reported that the terms of that deal expired at the end of March. What this now means is that Barca will have to negotiate a price for the player just like any other club.
This could indicate that the Catalans aren’t fully committed to signing the England forward on a permanent basis. Or it might simply suggest Barcelona are still undecided, particularly given the club’s current financial instability.
Club legend and now sporting director Deco was recently quizzed about Barca’s chances of signing Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. He referred to the three months until summer as “like an eternity,” suggesting he and other board members may hold a similar view regarding Rashford’s situation.
It’s uncertain what United might demand for their player or whether Barca could still secure a slightly more favourable deal as a nod to Rashford, who is keen on the permanent move.
However, one certainty is that the Spanish side will likely have to pay a higher fee than the bargain amount they could have secured had they acted more promptly.
Maguire charged by the FA
Harry Maguire’s immediate participation in Carrick’s plans has been cast into doubt after he was charged by the Football Association.
It emerged on Wednesday that the England defender faces potential further sanctions following his red card at Bournemouth last month.
Maguire, 33, received a straight red card for tugging Evanilson’s shirt in the box before Bournemouth equalised from the resulting penalty to draw 2-2. However, it was his furious reaction towards referee Stuart Attwell and fourth official Matt Donohue that led to him being charged.
“Harry Maguire has been charged after being sent off in the 78th minute of Man Utd’s Premier League match against Bournemouth on March 20,” read an FA statement. “It’s alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal. Harry Maguire has until April 2 to provide a response.”
Maguire’s suspension meant he was already set to miss United’s clash with Leeds on April 13. Nevertheless, his ban could be lengthened depending on the result of his charge and whether United decide to appeal.
Carrick also expressed his fury over the incident, claiming his team should have been awarded a second penalty. Amad Diallo tumbled under a challenge from Adrien Truffert, but VAR determined the contact wasn’t sufficient to justify a spot-kick after Bruno Fernandes had already scored once from 12 yards.
“We should have had another penalty,” Carrick told Sky Sports at the time. “Obviously, if you get one, you must get the other. It’s pretty much identical for me, two-hand grab.
“Either way, [the ref] got one wrong, but to give one and not give the other, I can’t get my head around it. I think it’s crazy. It’s a bit baffling, really. Because of that, they score, and then it’s chaos after that, really. We should have had another penalty, and the game would have been totally different.”