Manchester United are still awaiting official confirmation from Barcelona over whether the La Liga champions intend to trigger the £26million clause to make Marcus Rashford's loan move permanent. The 28-year-old forward spent the 2025/26 season at Camp Nou, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 47 appearances as Barcelona secured a second consecutive Spanish title.
Reports emerged on Wednesday suggesting Barcelona are expected to opt against activating the permanent transfer, though no formal communication has been received by United. The Catalan club, who recently spent £69.3million on Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, have until June 15 to make a decision.
According to the BBC, Rashford's fate is most likely to be sealed in the three-week window between the conclusion of the World Cup and the start of pre-season. United have made it clear they will not renegotiate the clause, and sources close to the player believe the deadline will pass without an agreement.
If the deal falls through, Rashford is set to return to Old Trafford for pre-season under head coach Michael Carrick. However, interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich could see him depart during the World Cup, where he will have the opportunity to impress potential suitors while competing with Gordon for England's starting left-wing berth.
Carrick, speaking in April, stated: 'There are decisions to be made in time on certain things. Marcus is in that situation. At this point in time, nothing has been decided.' United are keen to sell Rashford to raise funds, but a return to the club remains a possibility if no buyer emerges.
