‎Michael Carrick Wants Marcus Rashford Back at Man United, but Barcelona Control His Future

‎Michael Carrick is reportedly open to welcoming Marcus Rashford back to Manchester United next season should he remain in charge at Old Trafford, but the club’s hopes depend heavily on decisions made in Spain. Barcelona currently hold the strongest position in any transfer discussion involving the England forward.

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‎Michael Carrick is keen on a Marcus Rashford reunion at Manchester United, but Barcelona’s €30m purchase option gives them full control over the England star’s next move.

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‎The La Liga giants signed Rashford on loan ahead of the ongoing campaign and negotiated a purchase option that can be activated in the summer of 2026. While this clause does not force Barcelona to buy, it gives them the power to complete a permanent deal without Manchester United being able to interfere.

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‎As a result, United’s role in Rashford’s future is limited, leaving them reliant on hope rather than expectation. Carrick, who is overseeing first-team duties until the end of the season, is believed to be keen on working with familiar faces if he continues in the role beyond the current campaign.

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‎According to The Telegraph, Carrick would like Rashford alongside him again should both men be granted fresh starts at United for the 2026–27 season. The pair previously played together under Louis van Gaal, who handed Rashford his senior debut in 2016.

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‎Speculation about Rashford returning to Manchester gathered pace after Ruben Amorim was dismissed as United manager early in 2026. Amorim had marginalized Rashford, approving loan spells away from the club, including moves to Aston Villa and later Barcelona.

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‎With Amorim gone, Carrick has enjoyed an impressive beginning to his spell in charge, guiding United to three straight victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham. His early success could place him in contention to influence long-term planning at Old Trafford.

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‎Manchester United are expected to appoint a permanent manager in the summer, at which point major decisions regarding Rashford’s future will be taken. Reports from Spain had suggested Barcelona were uneasy about the winger’s intentions, amid talk of a possible Premier League return.

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‎However, those claims have been dismissed by Mundo Deportivo, who state that Barcelona are “not concerned” should they choose to keep Rashford. The report adds that the Catalan club secured “absolute priority” over the player during negotiations with United.

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‎Barcelona’s €30 million purchase option is said to override any desire from Manchester United to bring Rashford back. The only scenario in which United could re-enter talks would be if Barcelona attempted to renegotiate the agreed fee.

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‎Should Barcelona try to lower the price, the original loan agreement would no longer stand. Otherwise, if the financially challenged club commits to paying €30 million (£26m/$36m), United would have no influence over the outcome.

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‎Rashford has largely avoided public discussion about his future but has previously made clear his preference to stay in Catalunya. Speaking in December 2025, he said his ultimate aim was to remain at Barcelona, where he feels settled both on and off the pitch.

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‎The forward emphasized his focus on winning trophies, praising the club’s environment, staff, and teammates. He described Barcelona as the perfect place to continue his development and stated he was giving everything each day to help the team succeed.

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‎Although Rashford remains under contract at Manchester United until 2028, that agreement now appears unlikely to be fulfilled. Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has also expressed his wish to retain the 28-year-old beyond the upcoming summer, which may include World Cup involvement with England.