Why United are keen to offload Marcus Rashford early this summer | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford’s situation at Manchester United is yet to reach a conclusive end. The English forward is a product of the club’s academy and was once tipped to become an Old Trafford legend.

Rashford went from strength to strength as part of former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s fast and fluid attacking trident and then hit a higher gear under Erik ten Hag. The Dutch manager’s departure in October 2024, however, proved to be a turning point in the Englishman’s career.

Rashford was enduring a dry spell at Old Trafford when Ruben Amorim took charge as Ten Hag’s replacement. The 28 year old failed to convince the Portuguese head coach, fell out of favour and was offloaded on loan to Aston Villa in the winter.

Despite a decent run at Villa Park, Amorim remained unconvinced and Rashford went on to join Barcelona on a season-long loan last summer. That decision has turned out to be a masterstroke, as the player has turned his career around at Camp Nou.

Rashford’s Barcelona spell so far

Rashford has hit the ground running since arriving in LaLiga, and has been one of Barcelona’s key attackers this season. Rashford has scored 13 goals and registered 13 assists this season from 45 games, 23 of which have been from the start.

Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Barcelona reportedly have the option to make the Englishman’s stay permanent for €30 million at the end of this season, and the player’s form certainly makes it look like a bargain. However, a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Catalans are not looking to exercise that option.

It has also been suggested that the LaLiga giants are planning to secure a move for a reduced fee or propose another season-long loan deal. However, United are unlikely to give in to their demands amid rising interest in the player’s signature.

Recent reports have suggested that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Rashford, while Newcastle United have also been named as a suitor. An update on the Red Devils’ plans has now emerged.

United want early departure

According to Football Insider, United are eager to offload Rashford as soon as the summer window opens to avoid handing him excessive wages. Should the Red Devils secure qualification for next season’s Champions League, the Englishman will be entitled to a pay rise, which the club are eager to avoid.

The Premier League giants are now third in the league table with five games left in the season. United have been on a roll under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, winning eight of their last 12 games, and are expected to secure a top-four finish.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, journalist Peter O’Rourke said: “Rashford would like to stay at the Camp Nou because he has regained his best form this season. Look, if he’s not able to agree a deal at Barcelona, then he will have to go back to Manchester United.”

“Obviously, United are more than happy to let him move on to get him off the wage bill this summer because his wages go up if they qualify for the Champions League.”

Final Thoughts

The Rashford saga has been stretched for a bit too long and it is in the interests of all parties involved that a conclusion is drawn this summer. An early departure will bring in funds and also help United focus on improving their squad before the start of the new campaign.

Featured image Denis Doyle via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social