Marcus Rashford was pursued by Cesc Fabregas’ ambitious Serie A side Como during the January transfer window.
Rashford, 27, has looked lively and dangerous in his first two appearances since moving to Aston Villa from Manchester United on loan. Many clubs were exploring a move for the versatile forward, including Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Barcelona.
Recent reports claimed that while Rashford is enjoying his time at Villa Park, a move to the Nou Camp is what his heart desires. But while he gets to grips with life under Unai Emery, Como’s club president revealed they looked for a way to sign the United academy graduate last month.
A move would have seen Rashford reunite with former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and ex-England international Dele Alli. Their interest demonstrates the vast ambition of Fabregas’ Como side and their confidence in the project.
Speaking to Sky Italia, Como president Mirwan Suwarso said: “We tried to do our best to give our coach the players he needed for his style of football. We analysed our needs and, when possible, we tried to resolve them.
“You have read about many names. Well, not all of them, but many were true. We were close to many players, some of whom did not leave.”
When asked if they tried to bring Rashford to the picturesque Stadio Comunale G. Sinigaglia, he added: “Yes, we tried, but we are also aware that we are a small club, so there are people who still do not take us seriously. When these big names hear about Como, they say ‘No, I want to play in the Champions League‘.
“This makes sense, we understand well what we can and cannot do. We dream. As human beings, this is what always makes us move forward. Every day we look forward to something bigger, every day we try to do something better than the day before.”
As well as being the manager of the club, Fabregas is also a minority shareholder. Former Arsenal colleague Thierry Henry has also invested money into the club.
Como have enjoyed an impressive rise over the last 18 months, earning promotion to Serie A last season. They are currently performing admirably, having climbed up to 13th in the table.
Had Rashford joined, he would have been greeted by former Liverpool duo Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno. Fabregas also signed Euro 2020 winner Andrea Belotti from Benfica and ex-Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto in a monstrous transfer window.
Meanwhile, Rashford’s time at Old Trafford looks to be all but over, after his banishment by Ruben Amorim ended with him moving to Villa Park. The Midlanders have an option to buy him outright for £40million, but reports from the Sun claim Rashford will weigh up his options, as he still dreams of turning out for Barcelona.
His representatives held talks with those at Barcelona in January, but a move was not possible. A source believed to be close to the 60-cap England international told the outlet: “Marcus is confident that if he rediscovers his form at Villa Park and starts bagging goals, Barcelona will revive their interest, especially as a transfer price has been established.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Can United mount a title challenge? Get our FREE daily Manchester United email newsletter