The future of Marcus Rashford remains uncertain ahead of a busy summer transfer window.
Manchester United are preparing for a busy period this summer as Ineos look to back Ruben Amorim in the transfer market.
Amorim saw two additions to United’s first team in January, after becoming head coach in November, and he will want to continue a required squad rebuild once the 2024/25 campaign comes to an end on Sunday.
Several players left Old Trafford on loan in January, including Marcus Rashford.
After falling out of Ruben Amorim’s plans, Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season.
Although Rashford’s season ended prematurely due to injury, the England international registered 10 goal contributions in 17 matches (four goals and six assists) during his loan spell at Villa Park.
Villa have an option to sign Rashford for £40m when the deal expires, however, it is believed Rashford has other plans that don’t involve returning to United.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford wants Barcelona move
Manchester United could be stuck in a tough situation with Rashford’s loan deal set to expire.
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With Villa unlikely to sign Rashford on a permanent deal, the 27-year-old is set to return to United before searching for a new club.
United in Focus understands that Rashford is putting all his efforts into sealing his dream move to Barcelona this summer.
Rashford’s entourage, including his brother Dane, held talks with Barcelona in January but a deal was not a priority for sporting director Deco at that point.
We can now confirm that Hansi Flick – who has just signed a new contract at Barcelona – has pushed for another option to play out wide, ideally on the left flank.
Deco is now working to find options, but they already have a list of players they like. Rashford is towards the top of that, along with Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, who is currently in talks over a new deal at Anfield.
Athletic Club winger Nico Williams also remains a player of interest, but as with Diaz, the finances would be problematic, which is where the case for Rashford may come into play.
We are told that once again Rashford’s camp are pushing his claims to the Catalan giants, and they are open to a deal – especially with a loan move.
Barcelona have made it clear to them that any deal would almost certainly be a loan with a view to a permanent deal. They would also need the player to consider his wage demands.
United for their part are desperate to sell Rashford but our understanding within the club’s hierarchy is that they should agree an early loan deal – if they put hurdles in the way of a deal, then Barca could move onto other options and if that happens, the player could end up staying, which is something Ineos are desperate to avoid.
Speaking to United in Focus, Graeme Bailey said: “United want to avoid another situation that evolved in January – in that every press conference was about Marcus and his future. They know the player wants to go to Barcelona and that makes a permanent switch difficult.
“Barcelona know they are in a strong position. They know United can’t dig their heels in too much as the last thing they want is Rashford at the club, even at the start of the season – let alone the end of the transfer window.
“I am told that as it stands, Rashford’s camp firmly believe there is a good chance that Barca take him this summer.”
Games Goals Assists
426 138 77
Marcus Rashford record for Manchester United
Man Utd loanees heading for summer exits
Rashford is not the only United loanee with an uncertain future.
United will also prioritise the sales of Antony and Jadon Sancho to help rebuild Amorim’s squad ahead of next season.
It’s unlikely that these three players will be reintegrated into the team.
Antony has impressed during his time at Real Betis, where Sancho could join Chelsea on a permanent deal, unless they pull out of a pre-existing deal to sign the winger.