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Report: 28-year-old attacker ready to reject Man United in favour of Barcelona

3 February 2026 at 16:21

Marcus Rashford’s future appears to be moving decisively away from Old Trafford, with the England forward reportedly having no plans to return to Manchester United once his loan spell at Barcelona comes to an end this summer.

According to The Mirror, the 28-year-old has already made his intentions clear, prioritising stability and clarity over a reunion with his boyhood club.

Rashford joined Barcelona on loan in search of a reset after a turbulent period at Man United, where form, confidence, and scrutiny combined to stall his momentum.

While his time in Spain has been closely monitored, the move has given Rashford a fresh environment and renewed sense of purpose, something he is keen to preserve as he enters a crucial stage of his career.

Barcelona option and World Cup timing

Barcelona hold an option to make Rashford’s move permanent for a reported €30 million, a figure that reflects both his pedigree and the challenges United faced in maximising his value.

Rashford is understood to be eager for his future to be resolved swiftly, with the 2026 World Cup looming large in his planning.

Regular football, tactical clarity, and a settled club situation are viewed as essential if he is to remain a key part of England’s long-term plans.

Sources suggest Rashford has already communicated to Barcelona his desire to stay at Camp Nou beyond the current season.

While financial considerations remain central to any permanent deal, particularly given Barcelona’s well-documented constraints, the player’s stance is clear, a return to Man United is not his preferred option.

Man United position and Michael Carrick’s influence

Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

At United, the door has not been fully closed from the club’s side.

Interim head coach Michael Carrick is believed to admire Rashford’s qualities and would attempt to convince the academy graduate to stay should he be appointed on a permanent basis.

Carrick’s relationship with Rashford and belief in his ability could yet have played a role in negotiations.

However, reports indicate Rashford is prepared to look elsewhere if Barcelona are unable to finalise an agreement.

Rather than returning to Old Trafford under uncertain circumstances, he would prefer to secure a fresh long-term project, whether in Spain or another major European league.

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Marcus Rashford offered hope of Premier League return despite Barcelona’s strong interest

CaughtOffside

By:Ahad Shaukat

2 February 2026 at 10:35

Manchester United’s long-term plans could depend on the future of Michael Carrick, with reports suggesting the interim boss is keen to bring Marcus Rashford back to Old Trafford should he be handed the role on a permanent basis.

According to The Telegraph, Carrick views Rashford as a central figure in his vision for the club and believes the forward can still play a decisive role at Man United, despite his ongoing loan spell with Barcelona.

Rashford, now 28, joined Barcelona on loan in search of a fresh start after a turbulent period at United marked by inconsistent form and intense scrutiny.

Marcus Rashford situation and Barcelona interest

While his time in Spain has offered moments of encouragement, the move has always been framed as a temporary solution rather than a definitive break.

Barcelona, however, are reportedly open to making the deal permanent. The Catalan giants are understood to have a €30 million option that would allow them to enter formal negotiations over a long-term transfer to Camp Nou.

Given Barcelona’s ongoing financial constraints, that figure represents a calculated gamble rather than a straightforward commitment, particularly for a player on significant wages.

Barcelona admire Rashford’s versatility and experience at the highest level, any permanent move would depend on outgoing transfers and wage restructuring in the summer.

Michael Carrick’s vision for Man United

Carrick’s stance suggests that there is belief inside United that Rashford’s best football may still lie ahead and that a change in tactical approach and man-management could unlock it.

As a former teammate, Carrick is well aware of Rashford’s strengths, particularly his pace, directness, and ability to influence big matches.

If Carrick were to secure the job full-time, sources indicate he would seek to reintegrate Rashford into the squad rather than sanction a cut-price exit.

United, for their part, are reluctant to lose a homegrown player with Rashford’s pedigree without exhausting all internal options, especially at a time when elite forwards remain scarce and expensive.

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