Ruud Gullit believes Marcus Rashford's return to Manchester United could prove to be the 'best Premier League signing of the summer'.
Rashford's Barcelona loan and return
Rashford joined Barcelona on loan last summer, with a deal expected to be made permanent in a £26million move. The 28-year-old had expressed a desire to extend his stay at the Catalan club, but Barcelona instead pursued a deal for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.
After a break following the World Cup, Rashford has joined United's pre-season training. He watched from the sidelines as the Red Devils drew 1-1 against Leeds United on Wednesday.
Gullit's verdict
An exit from Old Trafford appeared more likely earlier in the summer, but a lack of serious suitors prepared to meet United's £40m asking price means the Englishman now looks set to remain at his boyhood club.
Gullit, the former Chelsea manager, expects Rashford to return to the Premier League with a point to prove. He told Sport Witness: 'Marcus Rashford could end up being the best signing. He learned a lot at Barcelona and played much better, with far more freedom, than he ever did at Manchester United.'
'Was that his fault, or was it down to the environment at the club? It's very easy to point fingers at the player. But if he performs well elsewhere, it suggests something was wrong in his previous environment. So that could prove to be a fantastic move, for Manchester United if he stays, and performs like he did at Barcelona.'
Ferdinand and Carrick weigh in
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand also endorsed Rashford's return, saying: 'Rashford is back at Manchester United at the training ground and guys, he's like a purring Ferrari man. He looks fit, he looks ready. And you know what, there's a smile on his face and there's a little spring in his step.'
'We don't know which way this is going to go and how it's going to pan out by the end of this transfer window. But you know what, I hope he stays and he will be like a new signing at the football club. And could this be the motivated Marcus Rashford to come out and prove all the doubters and all the people wrong? And all the naysayers. I hope it is. Let's watch this space.'
Speaking after United's draw with Leeds, manager Michael Carrick hinted that Rashford was in his plans for the new season. Carrick told ITV1: 'He's our player, you know, and he's come back great. He's just like any other player. I've known Marcus a long time and, you know, he gives us something a little bit different. And he's been in great spirits since he's been back. He's been back two or three days training and it's just pretty normal, to be honest. And we're looking forward to the start of the season.'
