Marcus Rashford could be on the verge of an unexpected return to Manchester United after a permanent move to Barcelona fell through. The 28-year-old forward, who joined Barcelona on loan last summer after being replaced by Matheus Cunha as the club's No.10, has been linked with a comeback as United seek to sell him but refuse to sanction a third loan spell.
Rashford's Future in Doubt
Rashford spoke about his future before England's World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico. "I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup, I wanted it (a move) done before," he told reporters in Kansas. "If it's not, I wanted it to wait until after. I want to be fully present in the moment. We're fighting for something special."
With the door ajar for Rashford's return, MEN Sport has compared the academy graduate to Cunha to see how they stack up statistically and in terms of manager Michael Carrick's preferences.
Statistical Comparison
For this comparison, Cunha's Premier League stats are pitted against Rashford's La Liga numbers. In terms of goals, Cunha leads with ten to Rashford's eight. However, Rashford picked up more assists (seven to two).
According to Who Scored, Cunha averages more shots per game (2.7 to 2.4), while Rashford has a higher pass success percentage (84.7% to 80.5%). Interestingly, despite being two inches shorter, Cunha wins more aerial duels (0.8 per game to Rashford's 0.1). Rashford dominates passing statistics, making more key passes (1.4 to 1), crosses (0.9 to 0.3), and long balls (0.8 to 0.7) per 90 minutes. Conversely, Cunha excels in dribbles (1.3 to 0.9) and fouls drawn (1.6 to 0.8).
Carrick's Perspective
Michael Carrick knows both players well. He played with Rashford early in his career and praised him in 2017: "Pace makes a big difference. There was space out there and Marcus came on to exploit it. You could sense he was going to create something as he nearly got inside a couple of times before he set up the goal."
As interim head coach, Carrick left the door open for Rashford's return, noting in April: "I just think there's decisions to be made in time on certain things and obviously Marcus is in that situation. But at this point in time, nothing's been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point. But at this stage, there's nothing to say."
Regarding Cunha, Carrick highlighted his impact after starting on the bench due to Patrick Dorgu's form. After Dorgu's injury, Cunha scored the winner against Chelsea. "Matheus coming on and having a big impact again, like he did last week [vs Manchester City]," Carrick said. "Creating a goal last week. I really fancied him to score. Again, fantastic finish. Kind of epitomises probably what, as a group, we've been like this week. Matheus has not started both games, but he's had a real big impact and he's been disappointed not to start, but he's used it in a really good way. Two huge moments and he totally deserves that winning goal."
Verdict
There is little to separate Cunha and Rashford statistically. Carrick seems willing to give Rashford a fresh chance, but the question remains whether too much water has gone under the bridge. Rashford's performances before leaving United were not replicated at Barcelona or for England. Cunha, with a strong debut season goal return and room to improve his assists, feels like the future for the Reds. Even if Rashford returns, Cunha appears the obvious choice to start on the left wing.
