Manchester United are facing increased pressure to sell Marcus Rashford after details of a lucrative contract clause emerged, while Barcelona's transfer activity is complicating their pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni. The club have been active in the market but still have significant business to complete before the window closes.
Rashford's pay rise clause
Rashford, 28, currently earns an estimated £300,000 a week at Old Trafford, but that figure is set to rise after United secured a return to the Champions League. Before Sir Jim Ratcliffe overhauled the club's wage structure, United players were entitled to an automatic 25 per cent pay rise if the club qualified for Europe's premier competition. That bonus scheme was scrapped in 2024, but existing contracts signed beforehand - including those of Rashford and Mason Mount - still contain the clause.
With Rashford already earning roughly £16m a year, his salary is expected to increase by around £4m following United's Champions League qualification. This strengthens the club's desire to find a buyer before the transfer window closes.
For much of the summer, a permanent move to Barcelona appeared the most likely outcome after his loan spell in Catalonia. However, the Spanish champions' £70m signing of Anthony Gordon looks to have ended that possibility. With just over three weeks remaining in the window, both player and club are running out of time to resolve his future.
Barcelona swoop causes problem for Man Utd
Barcelona's surprise move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri could have a significant knock-on effect on United's transfer plans. Real Madrid had appeared to be leading the race for the Spain captain, whose contract at the Etihad Stadium has less than a year left. Jose Mourinho's side were reportedly willing to pay upwards of £60m for the 30-year-old and City are open to cashing in.
For United, a move to the Bernabeu would be the ideal outcome. Rodri's arrival could pave the way for Aurelien Tchouameni to leave, since the club would need to free up space in midfield and raise funds to keep their finances in check. The France international remains high on United's wishlist.
But convincing Real Madrid to part with him looks highly unlikely if they lose out on a midfielder of Rodri's calibre. Barcelona's interest has now complicated the equation. Should the Catalan giants win the race for Rodri, Real Madrid would have little reason to entertain offers for Tchouameni - dealing a major blow to United's hopes of pulling off a late midfield coup.
