£26m will seal departure of Manchester United star | OneFootball

Barcelona move to secure Rashford future

Barcelona believe they have firm control over Marcus Rashford’s future, despite renewed interest from Manchester United. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club are relaxed about the situation and confident that their agreement places them in a position of strength. As the report states, “Barcelona secured absolute priority over the player” during negotiations with United, a clause that underpins their current stance.

Photo IMAGO

At the heart of the deal is a €30 million purchase option. Mundo Deportivo stress that “the buy option of 30 million euros is ahead of the wishes of the English club to bring the player back”. If Barcelona decide to activate it in full, “Manchester United would have nothing to do”, removing any room for unilateral intervention from Old Trafford.

Contract clause shifts leverage

The structure of the agreement is decisive. United may wish to reopen discussions, but only if Barcelona choose to negotiate on price. Otherwise, the situation is clear cut. That clarity has been sharpened by Rashford’s output during his loan spell, which has drawn admiring glances back in England.

Reports there suggested that “the arrival of Michael Carrick on the bench would activate the return of the player”. It has also been noted that Rashford was “marginalised when Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford”, adding context to why his future became unsettled in the first place.

Photo IMAGO

Carrick link emerges in England

The Telegraph claimed that Carrick, now in interim charge, “is willing to bring him back and intends to include him in his future plans”, although Rashford’s contractual commitment remains limited until June 30. Carrick’s own history as interim manager in 2021, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal, adds another layer to the speculation.

Yet this debate is largely external. Mundo Deportivo emphasise that “Rashford is on the sidelines of this discussion”. While not an automatic starter, the winger “feels very comfortable and happy in the Barcelona dressing room”.

Numbers strengthen Barcelona case

The statistics underline why Barcelona are keen to press ahead. Rashford has delivered “10 goals and 11 assists in 1,792 minutes across 31 matches in all competitions”. He is also “Barcelona’s top scorer in the Champions League 2025-2026 alongside Fermin Lopez, both with five goals”.

Photo IMAGO

Those figures give weight to Barcelona’s confidence. They also reinforce why the club believe patience and decisiveness will secure a player who has rediscovered both form and purpose in Spain.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Rashford performing so well abroad inevitably raises questions about what has been lost at Old Trafford. Seeing him produce double figures for goals and assists, while thriving in a stable environment, highlights how unsettled United have been in recent seasons.

There will be hope among fans that Michael Carrick’s presence could reopen the door. Carrick represents continuity, calm and an understanding of United’s culture. Supporters may believe that under his guidance, Rashford could feel valued again. However, the reality outlined here is sobering. Barcelona hold the cards, and the €30 million option feels modest for a player in this form.

Many United fans will ask why it reached this point. Rashford’s marginalisation under Ruben Amorim is hard to ignore, especially when contrasted with his happiness in Barcelona. If United do miss out, supporters may see this as another example of poor timing and muddled planning. The optimism rests on learning lessons rather than repeating them, because losing a rejuvenated Rashford permanently would feel like a self-inflicted wound rather than an unavoidable fate.