Report: Forward eyes summer move to Barcelona as United exit draws closer | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford Eyes Barcelona Exit as United Door Closes

Rashford’s United Farewell Gathers Pace

The curtain appears to be drawing on Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United career. As reported by The Mirror, the England international is “willing to take a pay cut to seal a dream move to Barcelona” in an attempt to end a fraught chapter under new manager Ruben Amorim. The 26-year-old’s exclusion from United’s 2-1 derby win over Manchester City last December marked the beginning of the end, culminating in a January loan switch to Aston Villa.

Since arriving at Villa Park, Rashford has produced flashes of brilliance — “four goals and six assists” — that remind fans of the electric forward who once lit up Old Trafford. However, injury has stalled his momentum, ruling him out of Villa’s final Premier League clashes against Fulham, Bournemouth, and Tottenham.

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Barcelona Calling

With Rashford “understood to have set his heart on joining Spanish giants Barca,” all signs point to La Liga. Though Aston Villa hold a £40 million purchase option, Rashford “does not want to join them, favouring a move abroad.” A second loan stint — this time with Barca and United subsidising wages — has been floated, yet neither club sees that as a long-term solution.

Still, Rashford’s “exorbitant wages of £350,000-a-week are certain to prove a stumbling block,” forcing the player to lower his demands to escape the shadows at United. The club itself is motivated to sell, eager to both reshape Amorim’s squad and lighten the wage bill.

Next Steps in Recovery and Negotiations

Currently injured, Rashford’s immediate concern is recovery. His status is being assessed jointly by Villa and United medical staff, with fitness for England’s Euro 2024 warm-up matches in June a pressing priority. “Of more immediate concern to Rashford is making a full recovery… having been recalled to the international set-up by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.”

Talks between Rashford’s representatives and United are expected “in the coming weeks,” where a permanent exit could be formalised. “United will hold talks with Villa over Rashford, although the 26-year-old is not set to return to his parent club to undergo his rehab.”

In all likelihood, this summer will bring closure to one of United’s most high-profile academy tales — not with a testimonial, but with a Barcelona contract.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For many fans, Marcus Rashford’s exit from Manchester United feels both inevitable and oddly premature. There’s frustration that one of the club’s brightest homegrown stars — someone who scored twice on debut and became a community icon during the pandemic — could be shown the door due to a personality clash and form dip.

However, the expectation around his potential move to Barcelona is palpable. From a footballing perspective, Rashford under Xavi — or his successor — could offer a dynamic option on the left, finally escaping the tactical rigidity and managerial turmoil that’s dogged his recent years in Manchester. “He has no chance of playing for United again while Ruben Amorim is in charge” isn’t just a throwaway line — it underlines the depth of the disconnect.

The injury concern does complicate matters, but fans hope that the reported willingness “to take a pay cut to secure a move” signals not only maturity but determination. Rashford at full fitness, away from Old Trafford’s spotlight and toxic atmosphere, could thrive.

It’s clear United want a clean break. If Rashford finds a fresh start — especially abroad — and returns to form, many will cheer him on, even while regretting how it ended.