Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United after a successful loan spell at Barcelona, but the club may be forced into a costly decision regarding his contract due to a recent FIFA regulation change. The 28-year-old forward helped Barcelona win La Liga with 14 goals and 14 assists, but the Spanish club has opted not to sign him permanently, instead moving for England teammate Anthony Gordon in a £70 million deal. This leaves Rashford in an awkward position as he prepares to return to Old Trafford after the World Cup.
FIFA Rule Change Prevents Player Isolation
New Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will not be able to use the same tactic employed by former boss Ruben Amorim to force out unwanted players. Amorim had placed Rashford in a so-called 'bomb squad'—a group of players isolated from the first team to encourage departures. This approach worked for Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony, but FIFA has now closed that loophole.
FIFA recently signed a memorandum of understanding with players' union Fifpro, introducing a rule that allows any player banished from the first-team squad to lodge a breach-of-contract claim. If successful, the player can demand release and the club must pay the remainder of his contract. For Rashford, who has two years left on his £300,000-a-week deal, that would amount to approximately £30 million.
Financial Pressure on United
Manchester United cannot afford to write off such a sum this summer, adding pressure on Carrick to reintegrate Rashford if a transfer does not materialise. The FIFA ruling is intended to protect players from being ostracised when a manager falls out with them, deeming isolation harmful. Premier League legend Alan Shearer has urged Carrick to offload Rashford, suggesting that "too much may have gone on" behind the scenes for the relationship to be repaired. However, if Rashford remains surplus to requirements, he will stay with the squad, leading to an potentially uncomfortable reunion after the World Cup.
