Marcus Rashford may still be a Manchester United player, but the squad have already moved on from him — and are now discussing the possibility of challenging for the title next season. Rashford has spent this season on loan at Barcelona and has no future back at his boyhood club, who are already looking to the future.
Rashford's Barcelona loan
Rashford has enjoyed his time at Barca, contributing 13 goals and 14 assists in 46 appearances for Hansi Flick's side. He is desperate to make his move permanent, but is having to be patient with Barcelona haggling with United over the terms of such a move. Barca are reluctant to activate the €30million (£26m) option in the loan agreement and have asked to take Rashford on loan once more. United, meanwhile, want a permanent deal because they are eager to get his £325,000-a-week contract off their books.
The 28-year-old forward still has two years left on his contract with United, but there is no way back at Carrington with his situation shown by the fact his No.10 shirt has gone to Matheus Cunha. Rashford is currently out on loan with Jadon Sancho and Andre Onana and United want to offload the group permanently, like they have managed to do with Rasmus Hojlund, who has now joined Napoli permanently.
Positive mood at Old Trafford
United want to complete deals early in the summer so they can reinvest the funds in new players. The mood is so positive after 10 wins from 14 games under Michael Carrick's management that players are privately discussing the possibility of a title push in 2026/27, The Sun reports. The success of last summer's transfer window, when Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens arrived has given renewed optimism around the club. United are third in the Premier League and already assured of a place in the Champions League next season with three games remaining.
That is a huge boost for the club, both financially and in terms of attracting a higher calibre of player, and it also means a 25 per cent wage increase for the majority of players.
Summer transfer plans
United will now focus their attentions on recruiting elite central midfielders to replace Casemiro, while it is also hoped that Manuel Ugarte could be moved on. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton are among the Premier League-proven players being considered for the position, while a new goalkeeper could also be needed if Onana and Altay Bayindir both leave.
