Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is celebrating this week after Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-0 to win La Liga
Marcus Rashford is the toast of Barcelona after the Catalan club won La Liga on Sunday evening. A 2-0 victory for Hansi Flick’s side over Real Madrid ensured they couldn’t be caught by their biggest rivals, heaping more misery on the Spanish capital’s biggest club.
And Manchester United’s loanee set the tone early. His superb free kick deceived Thibaut Courtois and ignited Camp Nou. Ferran Torres doubled the advantage inside 18 minutes to seal the bragging rights and the title; completing Rashford and Barcelona’s season in the process. Now, attention turns to the future and what comes next for the winger.
Rashford’s time at United is done. Ruben Amorim may have left but too much water has gone under the bridge for the forward to return. His high wage is a contributing factor and the Reds’ co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to lower the squad bill considerably. But if leaving is a guarantee, it must be on United’s terms.
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Barcelona, Rashford and United came to an agreement last summer to include a £26m buy clause to the deal. This expires on June 15 and if it is not activated, Rashford will not have his stay in Barcelona extended.
It is understood Barcelona are reluctant to pay £26m for Rashford. Instead, they have attempted to renegotiate that fee and, failing that, agree another loan for next season. Rashford’s Old Trafford contract expires in 2028 so agreeing to another loan for the 2026/27 campaign is not in United’s interests.
All this would do is push the issue to next summer. By which point, United’s negotiating position will have weakened and, once more, Barcelona would be seeking to get more money knocked off.
So what can United do? Well, they must hold their nerve. Rashford may have struggled to get going in the early stages of his Barcelona career but he is ending the season as a man in form. The 28-year-old has four goals in six La Liga matches and is showing signs of his best form.
A £26m fee is not unreasonable. If Barcelona are not willing to spend that much, United know they must seek an alternative buyer. They should not be coerced into agreeing a reduced rate because Barcelona are strapped for cash. Rashford may want to stay in Catalonia but United must think about what is best for them.
If they don’t stump up the cash, there will be plenty who will. All the Reds need to do is maintain patience.
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