Man Utd make final Marcus Rashford transfer decision after sacking Ruben Amorim - The Mirror

Marcus Rashford is halfway through his season-long loan at Barcelona, who have the option to sign him from Manchester United on a permanent basis for £28million next summer

Marcus Rashford is still expected to leave Manchester United permanently despite the sacking of Ruben Amorim. Rashford, 28, was frozen out under Amorim and joined Barcelona on a season-long loan in July.

United announced on Monday that they had relieved Amorim of his duties, prompting speculation that Rashford could return to his boyhood club under a new manager next term. The England international is enjoying himself at Barcelona, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in 25 games, mostly from the left wing.

Rashford has also gone on record to say that his 'ultimate goal' is to remain at Barca beyond the end of this season. The La Liga champions have the option to sign him permanently for £28million.

According the Sun, Rashford's time at Old Trafford is up regardless of what officials at the Camp Nou decide. It's reported that the decision for him to leave was led by United's hierarchy rather than Amorim.

The same goes for the rest of United's loanees, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana, with the Red Devils expected to move them on permanently, too. Barcelona haven't made a decision on Rashford at the halfway point of his spell, but there's no doubt that boss Hansi Flick is a big fan - even when the forward isn't playing.

"When he [Rashford] is on the bench, it also shows we have a good team," Flick explained. "In this position we have excellent players. What I can say, he's an absolute professional player.

"His attitude, mentality is great. In the beginning, he had to adapt a little bit, but now he's on his best level. I speak with the players when they're not playing, explaining why.

"What he said to me the last day (before facing Eintracht Frankfurt in December) was, 'Boss, you don't have to tell me this, it's only about the team. We have to win three points, nothing else is important'. It's the right attitude. The mentality he has is fantastic and I am really happy he is here."

Will Manchester United regret selling Marcus Rashford? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

Rashford is fully focussed on making Barca's decision for them by improving his output, despite being given limited minutes since Raphinha returned from injury. "Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca," he told Spanish publication Sport.

"It's the ultimate goal, but it's not the reason I'm training hard and giving my all. The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles."

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