Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United after the World Cup, but his future at the club remains uncertain. The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists as they won the league. Despite his impressive form, Barcelona opted not to trigger the £30 million buy clause in his loan deal, instead signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £70 million.
Manchester United's Exit Plan
United are actively seeking to move Rashford and his wages, which exceed £300,000 per week, off the books. A £40 million exit clause exists for every club except Liverpool and Manchester City. Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, speaking to Daily Star Sport via Betway, said: “Manchester United are planning for an exit, and there is a clause, except for Manchester City and Liverpool, for £40 million, and yet you may remember there was also a £30m option for Barcelona to buy, which has expired.”
Interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich
Barcelona retain interest in Rashford, and Bayern Munich have a historical interest in the winger, along with several Premier League clubs. Jacobs added: “My understanding is Man United are prepared to sell Rashford for the clause or even below the price of the clause because they want Rashford off the books, and it will help pave the way to sign Crysencio Summerville.”
Rashford had been banking on a permanent move to Barcelona, but the option expired on June 15. Jacobs noted: “Rashford was banking on Barcelona, so the Rashford camp haven’t explored anywhere else because of the World Cup. Bayern have held a historical interest, Premier League clubs have been looking as well, but at this stage, Rashford hasn't shut the door on Barcelona coming back later in the window.”
Barcelona's Transfer Strategy
Barcelona's priority was Anthony Gordon, and they have now secured his signing. Jacobs explained: “Manchester United were informed by Barcelona that they were not going to activate the £30m option to buy, but they were not informed categorically that the pursuit is over, and Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, has already put terms in place with Rashford.”
Barcelona's preference is a season-long loan with an option or conditional obligation to buy, a formula Manchester United have repeatedly rejected. As the post-World Cup urgency increases, Barcelona may try again. Jacobs said: “Of course, as there becomes more urgency post-World Cup for Manchester United to sell Marcus Rashford, Barcelona may try their luck again. At this stage, Rashford is hoping Barcelona reignite their interest, even though that option-to-buy clause expired on the 15th.”
Manchester United's Incoming Targets
United are also looking at Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, a player admired by Director of Football Jason Wilcox. Jacobs commented: “Arsenal are the leading contender for Morgan Rogers because Rogers is their top choice for that particular position. He can play on the left wing and, obviously, Rogers can play as a No. 10 as well.”
Villa are open to selling at the right price, with the market inflated. Rogers extended his contract until 2031, and offers in excess of £80 million would be considered. Jacobs added: “My understanding is that Villa need a big sale and are open to selling Rogers. Arsenal are expected to bid. Manchester United appreciate Rogers as well. Jason Wilcox played a hand in his development at Manchester City, and Michael Carrick worked with him at Middlesbrough.”
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also potential suitors, but Arsenal consider themselves frontrunners. Jacobs concluded: “Arsenal are the club that have been most active at the moment, and they consider themselves the frontrunners.”
