As Marcus Rashford’s future remains uncertain, Fabrizio Romano clarifies United’s pursuit of Francisco Conceição while Michael Carrick weighs squad depth against high-profile summer transfer targets.
Michael Carrick will have an increased say in transfers
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Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United remains uncertain after Barcelona decided not to activate the £25 million option to make his loan move permanent. Instead, the Spanish champions turned their attention elsewhere, strengthening their attack with the arrivals of Anthony Gordon for £69 million and Karim Adeyemi in a deal worth £25 million.
Although there has been speculation that Rashford could return to Old Trafford and feature in United's Champions League campaign, the belief throughout the summer has been that he will leave the club permanently. A £40 million release clause, which excluded Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, expired on 15 July, meaning any future transfer will now require direct negotiations between United and interested clubs.
Despite the uncertainty, previous reports have suggested Michael Carrick would be open to welcoming Rashford back into his squad if no suitable transfer materialises. The England international would provide valuable depth on the left flank, while his versatility could also offer an additional option through the middle should Joshua Zirkzee depart before the transfer window closes.
A potential return, however, has divided opinion among the United fanbase. While many supporters would be pleased to see the Carrington academy graduate back at Old Trafford, others have concerns over his place in the squad. Rashford remains one of the club's highest earners, and his preferred role on the left wing would see him competing directly with Matheus Cunha, who quickly became a fan favourite during an impressive debut season.
Man Utd's latest Francisco Conceição stance
With the future of Rashford still up in the air, reports emerged that Michael Carrick had identified Juventus winger Francisco Conceiçao as a key target this summer, with Michael Carrick seeing the 23-year-old as an "ideal" profile for the Premier League.
Despite this, Fabrizio Romano has reported that, as things stand, United have no plans to make a move for the winger this summer.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said, "We have received many questions in recent days on one player, Francisco Conceicao. “Why? Because someone has been talking about Manchester United regarding Conceicao.
“Guys, I have absolutely no confirmation of that, not even a single phone call.
“And not because Conceicao isn’t a Manchester United calibre player, quite the contrary, but because Manchester United is arguably better positioned in that role than anywhere else on the team.
“There is [Bryan] Mbeumo, who is doing very well.
“Last year, he was an exceptional signing.
“There is Amad Diallo, who is a very important player for Utd, and that position is absolutely perfect for him.
“As of today, I don’t see Manchester United working on Francisco Conceicao.
“There are denials from everyone, the player’s entourage, Utd, Juve and, so, I don’t know where this story about Conceicao and Manchester United came from.”
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Man Utd still have a lot of business to do
Romano also confirmed that Juventus would be willing to sell their talented winger at the right price, with one report indicating that United could have used out-of-favour forward Joshua Zirkzee in a swap deal, plus cash, for Conceição, with the Dutch forward saying yes to the Juventus move.
Ahead of a return to Champions League football next season, Michael Carrick's side still has plenty of transfer business with just three weeks to go before the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
While Conceição can play on both wings, a deal being off the table at the moment could indicate that Marcus Rashford will have a significant role at Old Trafford next season.
While United's search for a third midfielder continues, the squad is still short in several areas across the board, with the side still in need of potential full-back and winger depth, as well as an experienced striking option to be backup for Benjamin Šeško