Marcus Rashford has adjusted to life well at Barcelona and the Manchester United loanee isn’t planning on returning to Old Trafford at the end of the season
Marcus Rashford has no intentions of returning to Manchester United after his loan spell at Barcelona, it is reported. The 28-year-old joined the Catalan club in the summer after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.
Hansi Flick’s men signed Rashford on a season-long loan, with a view to making the move permanent with a €30million (£26m) fee agreed. The England international has contributed to 22 goals in 32 games, with his displays impressing his new team.
It had previously been claimed that Barcelona were unwilling to pay the agreed fee to sign Rashford, instead offering United slightly less or another loan proposal with an obligation to buy at the end of the 2026/27 season.
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A recent report from Spanish newspaper Marca seemed to quash those rumours, stating that the club is now willing to activate the clause and sign him permanently for £26m. Fortunately for all parties, Rashford is also keen on the move.
According to The Mirror, the forward has no desire to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season. The report states that Rashford wants his long-term future resolved and in order before England head to North America for the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions’ first fixture in the tournament is on June 17 against Croatia, two weeks after Barcelona’s current season ends. Despite suggestions that Michael Carrick would attempt to persuade him to return to United if he got the job permanently, Rashford’s heart is set on Spain.
Even if his stay at Nou Camp falls through, Rashford is understood to prefer a move to another club, rather than resuming his career at United. Should all things fall into place, United’s first summer transfer should be Rashford.
His permanent exit is set to be one of many deals completed at the end of the season. United have already confirmed that Casemiro will depart when his contract expires, and there is interest in a number of current stars.
Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo were all linked with January exits, though Ruben Amorim’s exit significantly strengthened the latter’s position in the United team. The England midfielder has played all three of Carrick’s games since his return to the club and calls for him to be named in the Three Lions squad have gathered pace.
United are currently battling for a place in the Champions League, and a top-five finish would increase the budget available in the summer. Over £200m was spent in bolstering the squad last summer, despite the club having no European football to contend with.
Rashford’s exit and possible departures for Ugarte and Zirkzee will only add more wriggle room for movement in the window. United’s recruitment team are expected to prioritise a central midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left winger ahead of the 2026/27 season.