Why Manchester United Won’t Change Plans Even With Rashford’s Strong Barca Form

Speculation has suggested Marcus Rashford could return to Manchester United this summer once his Barcelona loan ends. Despite that, reports claim the club are continuing their long-term planning without the England international being part of their vision. Current expectations are that Barcelona, who are pushing for the La Liga title, may activate their option to buy the forward permanently.

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‎Reports indicate Manchester United are continuing future planning without Marcus Rashford, while Barcelona consider triggering a £26m permanent transfer clause following his productive loan spell.

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‎Barcelona can secure Rashford’s services on a permanent basis for £26 million ($36m). The club currently holds strong negotiating power and can effectively decide what happens next. If they choose to keep him, United would be unable to intervene.

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‎The Sun reports that Manchester United are content to see their academy graduate remain in Spain. This comes even though there have been claims interim manager Michael Carrick might want an experienced Premier League attacker back at Old Trafford.

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‎The club did not try to recall Rashford during the January transfer window. Carrick, who is set to lead the team until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, previously worked alongside Rashford during coaching spells under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He is being considered for the permanent manager role after delivering four straight wins at the beginning of his time in charge.

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‎Despite this, reports indicate United had no plans to recall Rashford in winter. It is also claimed Carrick has not considered bringing him back and is not focused on summer planning due to his short-term contract. Meanwhile, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox continue to evaluate options for the club’s next permanent manager.

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‎Rashford has not played for Manchester United since December 2024. He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa after losing his place under former manager Ruben Amorim. In summer 2025, his No.10 shirt was given to Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha.

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‎Before his Barcelona move was finalised, Rashford trained separately from United’s main squad. The forward, who has recorded 426 appearances and 138 goals for United, has made it clear he wants to stay at Barcelona.

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‎In an interview with ESPN, Rashford said he is happy at Barcelona and enjoys playing for a club with such historical importance in football. He also explained that after spending 23 years at Manchester United, he felt a change was needed and is enjoying his current experience.

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‎Manchester United are expected to target new attacking players this summer due to a shortage of natural left wingers following Rashford’s exit and the sale of Alejandro Garnacho. Jadon Sancho is also set to leave permanently after his loan at Aston Villa, with his contract expiring in June.

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‎Rashford remains under contract at United until summer 2028, allowing the club to demand a high transfer fee if Barcelona do not activate their clause. If Barcelona decline, other clubs could pursue him.

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‎Barcelona have not yet opened discussions about activating the clause in Rashford’s loan agreement. However, Rashford has already recorded double figures in combined goals and assists this season. Manager Hansi Flick has already spoken about wanting him to remain beyond this season. The only uncertainty could come if Joan Laporta loses Barcelona’s presidential election, with possible successor Victor Font potentially taking recruitment in a different direction.