Marcus Rashford could be released by Manchester United this summer without receiving a transfer fee, and the club might even be required to pay him £30 million, following a change in FIFA regulations. The 28-year-old forward is set to return to Old Trafford after a successful loan spell at Barcelona, where he won La Liga and contributed 14 goals and 14 assists. However, Barcelona have opted not to sign him permanently, instead recruiting England teammate Anthony Gordon for £70 million.
FIFA Rule Change Impacts Player Treatment
FIFA has introduced a memorandum of understanding with players' union Fifpro that allows any player banished from the first-team squad to file a breach-of-contract complaint. If the complaint is successful, the player must be released and the club must pay the remaining value of their contract. For Rashford, who has two years left on his £300,000-a-week deal, that amounts to approximately £30 million.
This development follows former manager Ruben Amorim's strategy of isolating players in a so-called 'bomb squad' to force them out. That approach worked for Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony, but the new FIFA rule makes it financially risky. Current manager Michael Carrick cannot replicate that tactic without potentially incurring a significant cost.
Carrick's Dilemma and Shearer's Advice
Carrick may now be motivated to reintegrate Rashford into the squad if a transfer cannot be secured. Premier League legend Alan Shearer has advised Carrick to do everything possible to sell Rashford this summer, suggesting that "too much may have gone on" behind closed doors for the relationship to be repaired. However, if Rashford remains surplus to requirements, he will still be part of the squad, leading to an potentially uncomfortable reunion after the World Cup.
Rashford's loan at Barcelona was highly successful, but the club's decision to sign Gordon leaves him in limbo. The FIFA decree is intended to protect players from abusive treatment, such as being forced to train separately. Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, and Disney+ are available in a new Ultimate TV package from Sky for £44 per month.
