Why Manchester United Won’t Change Plans Even With Rashford’s Strong Barca Form

‎Marcus Rashford has been linked with a possible summer return to Manchester United once his loan spell at Barcelona ends. However, reports suggest the Red Devils are continuing to shape their long-term squad without factoring the England forward into their plans. At present, expectations indicate that Barcelona, who are chasing the La Liga title, are likely to activate the option to make his move permanent.

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‎Manchester United are reportedly still planning without Marcus Rashford despite his strong Barcelona loan spell, with the Spanish club holding a £26m purchase option and the final decision largely in their control.

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‎Barcelona have the right to sign Rashford permanently for £26 million ($36m). The Spanish giants currently hold the advantage in negotiations, meaning they can effectively decide the player’s next step. Should they choose to keep him, Manchester United would have no power to prevent the transfer from being completed.

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‎According to The Sun, United are comfortable with the academy graduate continuing his career in Spain. This is despite suggestions from some sources that interim manager Michael Carrick would welcome the return of an experienced Premier League attacker to Old Trafford.

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‎United reportedly made no attempt to bring Rashford back during the January transfer window. Carrick, who is expected to remain in charge until the end of the 2025-26 season, previously worked closely with Rashford during his coaching roles under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He is currently being considered for the permanent managerial position after beginning his tenure with four consecutive wins.

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‎Even so, reports state that the club had no plans to recall Rashford in winter. It is also claimed Carrick did not think about bringing him back and is not looking far into summer planning, given his contract only runs until season’s end. Meanwhile, CEO Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox are still reviewing candidates for the club’s next permanent manager.

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‎Rashford has not played for United since December 2024. The second half of last season saw him spend time on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim. During the summer of 2025, his No.10 shirt was reassigned to Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha.

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‎Before moving to Barcelona on loan, Rashford was training separately from the first team. The forward, who has made 426 appearances and scored 138 goals for United, has expressed a clear desire to stay at Camp Nou.

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‎Speaking to ESPN, Rashford confirmed his interest in staying at Barcelona, saying he is enjoying his time at the club. He highlighted Barcelona’s historic importance in football and described playing there as an honour. He also noted that he spent 23 years at Manchester United and feels a change of environment has been beneficial for him.

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‎Manchester United are expected to search for attacking reinforcements in the summer, particularly due to a shortage of natural left-sided attackers following Rashford’s departure and the sale of Alejandro Garnacho. Jadon Sancho is also not part of the club’s future plans after joining Aston Villa on loan and will become a free agent when his contract expires in June.

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‎Rashford’s contract with United runs until summer 2028, allowing the club to demand a significant transfer fee if Barcelona decide not to proceed. In that case, other clubs could step in.

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‎Barcelona have not yet started discussions about activating the clause in his loan deal. However, Rashford has already reached double figures for combined goals and assists this season, strengthening his case. Manager Hansi Flick has expressed interest in keeping him beyond this campaign. A possible complication could arise if Joan Laporta loses the upcoming Barcelona presidential election, with potential successor Victor Font possibly choosing a different recruitment strategy.