Liverpool a ‘fantastic club’ for Palace defender says Barnes

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Last Updated on March 20, 2024

By Jacob Potter

John Barnes

IMAGO / PA Images

We recently had a catch up with former Liverpool winger John Barnes, who is urging his ex-club Liverpool to pursue Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. Barnes also addressed the rumours surrounding Marcus Rashford’s potential departure from Old Trafford and discussed the future of manager Erik ten Hag.

In this article:

  • Liverpool a ‘fantastic club’ for Palace defender
  • Guehi advised to avoid moving to unstable United
  • Rashford leaving United won’t help his career
  • United must back Erik ten Hag despite difficult season

Liverpool a ‘fantastic club’ for Palace defender

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is approaching the final two years of his contract with the South London club, and it appears likely that the England international will depart from Selhurst Park this summer. Guehi has made a notable impression during his tenure at Palace, leading Barnes to believe that he is bound for greater opportunities elsewhere.

“He’s in the England squad, he’s 23 and the captain of Crystal Palace and I think he could play for a club that’s better and higher than Palace.

“But Palace are a decent, mid table Premier League club so if he can go to one of the top five or six that would be a good move for him.

“If you look at the profiles and the ages of the Liverpool defence, I think Liverpool would be a fantastic club for him.”

Guehi advised to avoid moving to United

Guehi has been sidelined for up to eight weeks following knee surgery, resulting in his absence from England’s upcoming matches against Brazil and Belgium – crucial games before Gareth Southgate finalises his Euro 2024 squad. The 23-year-old sustained the injury during Crystal Palace’s defeat to Brighton on February 3rd.

Despite this setback, Guehi’s performances have left a lasting impression on Barnes. Although Guehi has attracted interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle, Barnes advises against a move to United, suggesting it may not be the optimal choice for the former Chelsea defender.

“Look at his age and the age of the likes of van Dijk and Matip. I think Liverpool would be a good move for him because Arsenal have young centre backs and Manchester United aren’t a harmonious club right now.

“Would Man United be a good move just because they’re a bigger club than Palace at this stage of his career? He would want to go somewhere he will find stability and playing in a consistent manner.

“Liverpool would be a fantastic place for him.”

Rashford leaving United won’t help his career

Meanwhile, the future of Marcus Rashford has become a hot topic this season. Rashford had an outstanding last season, scoring 30 goals across all competitions, but has managed only 8 so far this season. The forward has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but Barnes has urged Rashford to assist Manchester United during the INEOS transition period.

“Rashford has a long term future at the club. He’s a fantastic player at a fantastic club. I don’t think him leaving will necessarily help his career.

“He’s got to stay at Manchester United and help the club. He’s a Manchester boy and that’s his club so he has to learn from this and recognise Manchester United is the most important thing. He has to be disciplined.”

United must back Erik ten Hag despite difficult season

Barnes also urged United to give manager Erik ten Hag their full backing and empower him to shape the club in his image despite what has been a difficult season. United will be buoyed by their 4-3 win against Liverpool in the FA Cup Quarter Finals on Sunday evening. An FA Cup final win and a Champions League place could be enough to keep ten Hag in his job. Either way, Barnes would like to see ten Hag remain the Old Trafford hotseat for the time being.

“If United want to be successful they have to stick with Erik ten Hag and give him the power to make decisions.

“A new manager coming in, within the same instability and ill discipline will lead to the same situation.

“It’s not ten Hag’s fault and they’ve got to understand that and back him as the leader of the club.”