Former Bafana Bafana, FC Porto, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham striker Benni McCarthy believes that Marcus Rashford and Manchester United would benefit if he completed a permanent switch to Barcelona.
McCarthy, South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer, was also a striker’s coach at the Red Devils.
The on-loan forward has rediscovered his best form in Spain, and with talks of a possible £26-million (R572-million) permanent deal, McCarthy thinks United would benefit, and coach Ruben Amorim will also get some cash to spend on other players.
“I think Rashford is in a fantastic environment currently, and when you watch Barcelona, he’s in every squad.
“He seems very happy; he seems settled. At United, Amorim made it obvious that he’s not part of his squad,” McCarthy told BestBettingSites.co.uk.
Marcus is happy at Barcelona
McCarthy continued: “I can’t see the reason why Marcus would want to come back. He will probably want to make a permanent move, and I think it would be beneficial for both parties.
“By selling Marcus, United can generate funds and subsequently pursue other players they wish to add; this arrangement could lead to satisfaction for both parties.
“Marcus is happy in Barcelona, enjoying and playing really well. He is playing the football that we know he is capable of, which allows him to move on.”
Speaking of Harry Kane, McCarthy was not sure if he is the kind of striker Amorim needs.
“He’s a goal machine, but given Ruben Amorim’s style of play, I’m not sure if Harry Kane is what he needs.
“I think Harry Kane is a little bit free; he’s all over the pitch. If you watch Bayern Munich, the assist that he made in the Dortmund game was from the right side of the midfield; that cross was one of the best assists I’ve seen.
“At United, you should be in the box if you’re the number nine. Indeed, he does score goals. I’d give anything to have Harry in that United team.
“But the manager will stick to his guns; he has his philosophy, and those are his principles. And he isn’t changing it for anyone.”
McCarthy favours Baleba over Kane
He continued: “I don’t see Harry Kane fitting into what he’s trying to do, what he wants to achieve, or how he wants to play football in that system.
“The fact is that Harry Kane is in his thirties now. Therefore, how many productive years can we realistically expect from him?
“He might cost £56-million because of the release clause, but maybe more if he doesn’t activate it. Then you’re going to have him for two or three seasons.
“Two seasons, maybe at his best. So, unfortunately, I think that United should look elsewhere.”
However, McCarthy suggested that gunning for Kane next year would not represent value for money and instead suggested Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba be prioritised.
