The summer transfer window looks set to be a big one for Manchester United with a huge Marcus Rashford decision to be made
Marcus Rashford could help Manchester United land a big transfer boost
Marcus Rashford could help Manchester United land a big transfer boost(Image: (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images))
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Manchester United could hand their new permanent manager an immediate transfer boost this summer. Michael Carrick has been appointed interim manager for the remainder of the season before a new head coach is installed during what is expected to be a very busy few months before the 2026/27 season.
Carrick could become the man in charge for the long-term with the former United midfielder winning his first two games at the helm against Manchester City and Arsenal. Kobbie Mainoo, who barely featured under Ruben Amorim, has been key in those victories and the departure of Amorim could open the door for Marcus Rashford to return.
The 28-year-old is currently thriving on loan at Barcelona with a £30million buy-option included in his temporary switch. Financial problems could prevent the Spanish club from exercising that clause which could benefit United for two reasons.
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The first of those would be having the chance to bring him back into the fold with a new manager in charge. Alternatively, United could look to sell him permanently with his stock very high.
According to CIES Football Observatories, his current value is €59m (£51m) but United could certainly get more given his experience and goal return. Even if that is the sum United receive for his potential departure, it will arrive as a sizeable financial boost with Rashford a product of their academy.
Therefore, any funds acquired from a transfer for a homegrown player counts as pure profit on the club's financial books which helps greatly when complying with profit and sustainability rules.
United saw this boost arrive last summer through the £40million sale of Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea with recent permanent departures for Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood also helping.
Rashford may not be the only big outgoing this summer with the chances of a Bruno Fernandes exit increasing. Carrick was asked about the Portugal international in a press conference on Friday with his response a telling one.
Bruno Fernandes in action for Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes could leave Manchester United in the summer transfer window(Image: Getty Images)
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He said: "Let's not get too far ahead. We are working towards this game and we are talking about the window now and it is closing in a few days.
"That is on the agenda a little bit but my main agenda is getting through the game with Fulham on Sunday and Bruno is fully committed.
"No issues at all with that. Things further down the line will be addressed towards the end of the season. Everything is positive at the moment and there is no reason to be anything otherwise."
As Carrick references, that is the focus but it seems likely someone else will be making the decision. In terms of potential candidates, Unai Emery, Roberto De Zerbi and Oliver Glasner have all been concretely linked while there is a chance to appoint someone like Mauricio Pochettino or Carlo Ancelotti after the World Cup.