Rashford
Manchester United have placed the majority of their focus on additions this summer, but Michael Carrick will no doubt need to sell some players to balance the books at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have already spent £85m on new signings this window, but the added arrivals could see players pushed further down the club’s pecking order.
However, sales have started to take place in recent days, as goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Radek Vitek are both expected to depart the side on permanent transfers.
Bayindir-Man-Utd
Other players have also been made available for transfer this summer, which could see one big-money talent move closer to the exit door before the window closes.
Why Rashford needs to leave Man Utd this summer
Ruben Amorim’s tenure was full of surprises at United, with one of his biggest decisions being to loan out Marcus Rashford to Barcelona for the 2025/26 campaign.
The Englishman, who was one of the Red Devils' leading talents, enjoyed a successful year in Spain, subsequently ending the season with 25 combined goals and assists across all competitions.
FC Barcelona's Marcus Rashford reacts
However, the Spanish giants opted against signing the 28-year-old on a permanent basis, which could see him return to the first-team ranks at Old Trafford this summer.
Carrick should decide against bringing the Englishman back into his ranks, with Rashford earning a staggering £325k-per-week - the highest of any player in the squad.
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Marcus Rashford - goals by season
Season
2025/26
2024/25
2023/24
2022/23
2021/22
2020/21
2019/20
2018/19
2017/18
2016/17
2015/16
Upon his return, it’s unlikely he will have a starting role within the manager’s system, as Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha are certainly ahead of him in the 45-year-old’s plans.
Both of the aforementioned stars netted double figures in league goals last term - something which Rashford was unable to do, highlighting why the duo would be ahead of him at Old Trafford.
The attacker is no doubt a top talent and one who the fans adore, but the club cannot justify spending such hefty wages on a player who will likely be an impact option next campaign.
How United can land a Rashford upgrade this summer
Should Rashford depart United this summer, it could offer Carrick some key funds to make the desired additions he craves within the final third of the pitch ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade has been mentioned as a possible target, with the Red Devils offered a chance to land the German on loan with an option to buy this window.
Nick Woltemade for Newcastle
However, he’s not the only attacker who’s appeared on their radar, with AC Milan star Rafael Leão another who could make a move to Manchester this summer.
A report from talkSPORT provided the latest on a potential deal, claiming that the player’s agent reached out to United and offered the club a chance to sign the 27-year-old.
Arsenal and Leeds United were two other clubs in talks with the Portuguese star’s representatives, but it’s unclear who will make a move for his signature this summer.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts after the match
Leao has been a constant performer across Europe’s top-five leagues in recent times and has caught the eye with his direct dribbling and electric pace.
When comparing his stats to those of Rashford from last season, the AC Milan star bettered the Englishman in key areas - further reaffirming why he could spell the end for the forward at Old Trafford.
Leao managed to complete an impressive 84% of passes he attempted in Serie A, whilst also registering an average of 1.8 successful dribbles per 90.
Both of the figures were higher than those produced by Rashford, whilst also placing him above 85% of forwards in Europe - backing up Como scout Ben Mattinson‘s claim that he’s “one of the best left wingers in the world.”
He often added the end product to his mazy runs in Italy, subsequently achieving a 44% cross success rate - ranking him above the Englishman and 88% of other forwards in Europe.
AC Milan's Rafael Leao reacts before the match
Such numbers allowed him to create more chances per 90 throughout 2025/26, which could see the likes of Sesko improve his own goalscoring tally at Old Trafford next term.
The Portuguese star’s experience in Europe could also be of use to Carrick next season, with the forward featuring in the Champions League in four of the last five campaigns.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the AC Milan star would cost this summer, he’s constantly proven he’s more than capable of providing the goods within attacking areas.
His dominance over Rashford is reflected in his stats from last term, which should see him be ahead of the Englishman in Carrick’s pecking order upon any transfer.
Losing the academy graduate may be a disappointing move for supporters, but ultimately it would be the best move for all parties in their respective hunts for success.