Manchester United will soon change their approach regarding Marcus Rashford. The deadline for Barcelona to activate their option to sign the forward from Manchester United will pass on Monday, and at that point, United will be open to offers for the 28-year-old.
Barcelona's Option Expires
Barcelona have until Monday to take up the €30 million (£26 million) option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis. The forward recorded 14 goals and 14 assists during his loan spell at the Nou Camp last season. However, the Catalan giants have not informed Old Trafford officials that they will decline the option, leaving United waiting for the deadline to pass. Barcelona have no intention of completing the deal at that price, having already signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69 million.
United's Proactive Search
Starting Tuesday, Manchester United will need to be more proactive in finding a buyer for Rashford. The club has decided that the academy graduate will not be reintegrated into Michael Carrick's squad, despite having played alongside the former midfielder and been coached by him previously. United are keen to offload Rashford's £325,000-a-week wages, as that salary no longer fits within the wage structure at Old Trafford, especially for a player who would not be guaranteed to start ahead of Matheus Cunha or Patrick Dorgu.
Disciplinary Issues
The decision to remove Rashford from the first-team squad followed a series of disciplinary indiscretions, a move initiated by Ruben Amorim and backed by director of football Jason Wilcox. That stance remains unchanged.
Rashford's Situation
Rashford now needs to find a new club after being blindsided by Barcelona's move for Gordon. Although Rashford has offered Gordon advice on life in Catalonia during England's World Cup camp, it is understood he was stung by the unexpected turn of events. His 28 goal contributions in 49 games last season was an impressive record, and Barcelona could yet return to negotiate another loan or a cut-price deal, but it is now considered highly unlikely that Rashford will return to the club of his dreams.
Bayern Munich Interest
Bayern Munich are giving serious consideration to a move for Rashford and have been conducting background checks on the player. Bayern wanted Gordon before his move to Spain and need competition for Luis Diaz. They also require an alternative to Harry Kane through the middle, having sent Nicolas Jackson back to Chelsea after a season-long loan. The German giants have been raiding Premier League clubs recently, and Rashford would be considered a major signing in Bavaria, with his versatility to fill two positions being an important factor.
Premier League Interest
There is also expected to be Premier League interest in Rashford, with Newcastle, Tottenham, and Arsenal among the clubs looking to strengthen on the left flank.
World Cup Impact
For United's part, there is hope that Rashford will force his way ahead of Gordon into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI during the World Cup and that a good tournament could create a larger market for a player who clearly has something to offer at the highest level, even if his wages will be a stumbling block. The clock will truly start ticking once England are knocked out of the World Cup. Rashford will be granted three weeks off by United at that point before reporting to Carrington for pre-season training, but that is a scenario they are likely to be keen to avoid.
