Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim's hopes of getting Marcus Rashford off the Old Trafford books in quickfire fashion have been dealt a significant blow as Barcelona are planning to only enter discussions in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Red Devils have been determined to bolster their squad after missing out on silverware and European qualification during the 2024/25 campaign, leading to Brazilian playmaker Matheus Cunha being landed in a £62.5million deal from Premier League counterparts Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Alejandro Garnacho has been urged by Amorim to find a fresh challenge, after it has become clear that he does not feature in the forefront of the Portuguese tactician's plans ahead of his first full season at the helm, and Rashford is also among the big-names to have been deemed surplus to requirements.
Rashford Not In Line for a Quickfire Departure
Red Devils having to stay patient despite wanting to offload forward
Marcus Rashford in action for England
Manchester United have suffered a major setback in their bid to sell Rashford, according to GMS sources, as his desire to join Barcelona has resulted in the reigning La Liga champions deciding they would prefer to only pursue a loan deal if they have scope to do business in the final days of the summer transfer window.
The England international has returned to Old Trafford after Aston Villa opted against taking advantage of a £40million option to buy him at the end of an initial temporary agreement, but Amorim and influential figures are desperately searching for a buyer as his departure would boost their budget.
Although GMS sources have been informed that Barcelona are interested in signing Rashford, who has racked up more than 400 appearances since breaking into Manchester United's senior squad, they are not intending to buy him right now and are prepared to play the waiting game instead of rushing into negotiations.
Marcus Rashford's statistics at Manchester United
The 27-year-old Old Trafford academy graduate was described as 'brilliant' by pundit Stephen Warnock after rediscovering his best form while on loan at Aston Villa and, having been frozen out by Amorim, his representatives are searching for potential exit routes in preparation for next season.
Barcelona are adamant that Rashford is so desperate to join them that he will stop short of committing his future to another admirer in case the opportunity to link-up with Hansi Flick's side eventually arises, GMS sources have learned, resulting in them remaining patient and seeing no need to come to a speedy agreement with Manchester United.
Rashford Stance Threatening to Impact Plans
Amorim's budget would increase if England international exits
Marcus Rashford
GMS sources have been told that Manchester United have been determined to move Rashford on before members of the squad are due to return for pre-season, meaning that Barcelona's stance is threatening to hamper their plans and could have an impact on how much they can spend when the transfer window reopens next week.
The Red Devils have been looking to clear space on the wage bill to boost their chances of being able to make marquee acquisitions and, thanks to the wide forward being on a contract which allows him to pocket £300,000-per-week, there has been a strong desire to quickly strike a deal with an interested party.
But Barcelona are confident they are in the driving seat due to Rashford's eagerness to join the La Liga heavyweights, GMS sources understand, leading to them wanting to wait and see whether Manchester United will be prepared to sanction another loan switch if he is still at Old Trafford as the September 1 deadline looms.
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GMS sources recently revealed that the Red Devils are set to be offered the chance to recruit Dusan Vlahovic as the marksman has fallen out of favour at Juventus, but there is a serious possibility that they would only have the financial power to take advantage if big-names depart in the coming weeks.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 12/06/2025
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