Updated: 2 Jun 2026 15:37 BST |
5 min read
Marcus Rashford has found himself stuck in limbo after Manchester United decided they are unwilling to sanction a move to a Premier League rival this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
The England international has made it clear he wants to seal a permanent transfer to Spanish giants Barcelona, with whom he spent last season on loan and helped win a second successive La Liga title.
After scoring in the 2-0 league win over Clasico rivals Real Madrid in early May, Rashford told reporters: “I don’t know [if I will stay at Barcelona]. I’m not a magician, but if I was, I would stay. So we will see.”
However, widespread reports claim Hansi Flick’s side have no interest in triggering their option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis for €30million (£26m), with the club having more interest in a fresh loan arrangement.
Rashford’s hopes of staying at Barcelona have also been dashed by the signing of Anthony Gordon, who will officially move to Spotify Camp Nou on 1 July after the club agreed an €80million (£70m) deal with Newcastle United last week.
While Rashford is now expected to return to United for pre-season following his participation in the World Cup, a previous report from The Independent claims the Red Devils would prefer to sell the 28-year-old this summer.
As Barcelona continue to focus their attention on signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, The Mirror understands that Premier League quartet Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur would be prepared to offer a solution to both Rashford and United’s problem.
However, the same outlet claims the United hierarchy do not want to sell their academy graduate to another Premier League side, meaning speculation surrounding the forward’s future looks set to rumble on.
United hoping to raise funds for midfield overhaul this summer
United are keen to raise funds for their midfield revamp ahead of the 2026-27 season, with The Athletic claiming a host of targets are being monitored including Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
The Athletic also understands Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have been tracked, while BBC Sport says United are close to making Atalanta midfielder Ederson their first signing of the summer.
Rashford meanwhile will hope to impress at the upcoming World Cup after being included in England’s 26-man squad for the tournament, which gets under way when co-hosts Mexico lock horns with South Africa on Thursday, 11 June.
England will take on New Zealand and Costa Rica in two warm-up fixtures on Saturday, 6 June and Wednesday, 10 June respectively, before facing Croatia in their opening World Cup fixture seven days later.
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