Marcus Rashford is set to revive his Manchester United career after Barcelona decided against making his loan move permanent. The 28-year-old forward will return to Old Trafford following a season-long loan at the La Liga club, where he impressed but was ultimately overlooked in favour of Anthony Gordon.
Barcelona's decision
Barcelona had agreed a season-long loan with a £26 million buy option for Rashford, but instead chose to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a £69 million deal. The move for Gordon fills the left-wing position, making it highly improbable that Barcelona will pursue Rashford further.
Rashford's future at United had looked bleak under former manager Ruben Amorim, who had frozen him out of the first-team. He spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa, but the club did not exercise a £40 million buy option.
New management
Amorim was sacked in January after a poor start to the 2025/26 season, with Michael Carrick stepping in as interim head coach. Carrick has since signed a two-year deal, opening the door for Rashford's reintegration.
Rashford could make his first United appearance in a year and a half against AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland, on August 15, potentially facing former boss Amorim, who now manages the Italian club.
Amorim has commented on speculation surrounding Milan's Rafael Leao, saying: "Rafa is lucky to be at a club like Milan, so he should be happy. I feel that he's happy and motivated."
