Man United ‘Close’ to Agreeing £40m Exit Deal for Star – Report | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford Edges Closer to Old Trafford Exit

Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United appears to be drawing to a close after nearly two decades with the club. As reported by Caught Offside, sources close to the agent industry have confirmed that new manager Ruben Amorim does not see Rashford as part of his plans for the upcoming season.

This news, though perhaps inevitable after a turbulent couple of seasons, still stirs emotions among United supporters, many of whom have watched Rashford rise from a promising academy player to one of England’s brightest attacking talents.

Rashford’s Revival at Aston Villa

Rashford’s winter loan move to Aston Villa was a turning point. In just 17 appearances, the 27-year-old recorded four goals and six assists, demonstrating that his quality remains intact. As Caught Offside reports, Rashford’s performances at Villa Park “showed that he has regained his form,” reminding fans and clubs alike why former United managers once labelled him “unstoppable.”

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His resurgence has attracted top European interest. Bayern Munich have identified Rashford as a solution for their left wing following Leroy Sané’s departure, especially after missing out on Nico Williams and Luis Díaz. But Rashford’s own preference is clear: he “dreams of playing for Barcelona,” a club he has admired throughout his career.

Barcelona Deal Gains Momentum

Discussions between Rashford and Barcelona’s sporting director Deco have reportedly been “progressing positively,” with Rashford even willing to take a major pay cut from his £325,000-per-week wage to make the move happen.

Barcelona’s financial challenges mean the likely structure will be a loan deal with an option to buy, a scenario that Manchester United are open to. The club has set an asking price of around £40 million, aiming to ease their wage bill and provide Amorim flexibility to reshape the squad.

Amorim’s Vision Taking Shape

Ruben Amorim’s arrival at United has marked a clear shift. Offloading Rashford, one of the club’s highest earners, signals a readiness to part with long-serving figures if they no longer fit the tactical blueprint. United are actively making space for new signings as Amorim looks to build a side capable of challenging domestically and in Europe.

Caught Offside summarises the situation aptly: “The combination of his desire to join Barcelona, United’s openness to a deal, and interest from clubs like Bayern Munich, it is clear that Rashford is on his way out of Old Trafford this summer.”

For Rashford, a move abroad could be the fresh start he needs. For United, it marks the end of an era but also the start of something new.

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From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this news stings deeply. Marcus Rashford has been more than just a player; he has been a symbol of the academy’s success, a local lad who made it big. To see him pushed out, even after proving himself at Aston Villa, is disheartening.

Ruben Amorim may have a clear vision, but does that vision have room for loyalty, experience, or sentiment? Rashford’s downturn in form at Old Trafford was clear, yet his time at Villa showed he still has plenty to offer. Many fans feel United have been too quick to show the door to players who bleed red, particularly when the alternatives are unproven or still adapting to the Premier League.

The thought of Rashford taking a pay cut to join Barcelona, of all clubs, underlines his hunger for success elsewhere. That hunger should have been nurtured at United. It feels like another chapter of mismanagement, another academy graduate allowed to slip through, much like Paul Pogba’s first exit years ago.

Rashford’s sale might free up wages, but at what cost to the club’s identity? For many supporters, this decision will be remembered as a painful and unnecessary goodbye.