Rashford Set for Man United Return After Barcelona Snub £26m Clause | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford is poised to be reintegrated at Manchester United following the World Cup, with the 28-year-old expected to return for pre-season training under Michael Carrick – according to The Guardian.

The forward has not played for the Reds since a 2-1 Europa League win at Viktoria Plzen in December 2024, when then-head coach Ruben Amorim substituted him on 56 minutes and subsequently refused to consider him for selection. Rashford spent the January 2025 window on loan at Aston Villa before joining Barcelona for the full 2025-26 campaign.

The plan, per the report, is for Rashford to take a three-week break at the close of England’s World Cup campaign before linking up with Carrick’s squad ahead of the new season. United’s pre-season opener against Wrexham in Helsinki falls on 18 July – the day before the World Cup final – meaning Rashford could not report back before 10 August at the earliest if England go all the way.

Why a Permanent Exit Didn’t Materialise

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Rashford made no secret of wanting to stay in Catalonia after scoring the goal in Barcelona’s 2-0 Clásico win in May that sealed the La Liga title, publicly stating his preference was to re-sign permanently. A release clause of £26m was available, but Barcelona chose to spend £60.7m plus add-ons on Anthony Gordon from Newcastle instead – with Gordon’s preferred position also being wide left – and that door closed.

United have made clear they will not sanction another temporary arrangement with the Spanish club. The Reds would prefer to shift Rashford’s salary – confirmed at around £17.5m per year – off the wage bill entirely, but The Guardian notes a lack of suitors willing to meet the club’s terms.

Carrick’s Position and the Squad Picture

Importantly, The Guardian confirms there are no issues between Rashford and Carrick, who was appointed permanently in May after guiding United to a third-place finish and Champions League football. Carrick has already moved to reshape standards at Carrington, and the indication is that Rashford will be assessed on his performances in that environment.

Separately, United have agreed an initial £48m deal – plus £2m in add-ons and a 10% sell-on clause – to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, with the 22-year-old having agreed personal terms. Éderson from Atlanta is also in line to join for an initial €40.5m, though he is yet to complete a medical. Carrick retains interest in a third midfielder of more established pedigree, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton each carrying a minimum £80m price tag.

Rashford still has two years remaining on his United contract. The details of his contract situation have made a clean exit complicated, and for now, a return to pre-season training appears to be the most straightforward path forward for both parties.