Barcelona midfielder knocks back Manchester United interest | OneFootball

Barcelona have had a pretty busy summer so far, and things will start to pick up even more when the 2026 World Cup ends next week. They have already signed Anthony Gordon, and with Karim Adeyemi set to join in the coming days, it means their attacking options will be finalised once a star number nine also comes in.

That means Marcus Rashford will not be returning to Barcelona, despite him having had a very impressive loan spell during the 2025-26 season. The Catalans had no intention of activating the buy option that was available to them, and with Manchester United seemingly unprepared to negotiate otherwise, a deal quickly became very unlikely – and with Gordon and Adeyemi signed/to be signed instead, it is now ruled out.

Interestingly, there had been a chance for Barcelona to sign Rashford for a reduced price, but in order to do so, they would have had to part ways with Marc Bernal. As per MD, the teenage midfielder had been wanted Man United, and they were prepared to include Rashford as part of a deal, although that option was completely ruled out by the player himself, while the Catalans also opposed this.

Bernal has no intention of leaving Barcelona

Barcelona view Bernal very highly, so it is no surprise that they rejected Man United’s offer. Likewise, the player himself only has plans to remain at the Spotify Camp Nou for many years to come, which is why he told Man United that he would not consider a move.

The first few months of the 2026-27 season will be important for Bernal. He took a big step forward during the previous campaign, but with Frenkie de Jong likely out for much of the rest of 2026, the 19-year-old will have his chance to establish himself as a regular starter alongside Pedri/Gavi.