Rashford’s Future Uncertain Amidst Managerial Changes at United

There is no obligation for Manchester United to purchase Marcus Rashford, yet a clause allows for his potential acquisition without interference from Premier League powers. Consequently, United finds itself in a position of uncertainty, hoping for a favorable outcome.

Reports suggest that Michael Carrick, who is managing first-team responsibilities at Old Trafford until the end of the season, is keen to have a familiar figure alongside him for the 2026-27 campaign, provided circumstances allow for a fresh start in Manchester.

According to The Telegraph, Carrick is interested in bringing back a former teammate, with whom he played under Louis van Gaal—the coach who gave Rashford his senior debut in 2016.

Discussions regarding a home-grown star’s return to Manchester have intensified since Ruben Amorim’s departure from United in early 2026. The Portuguese manager had previously phased Rashford out of the team and facilitated loan moves to Aston Villa and Barcelona.

With Amorim gone, Manchester is embracing new beginnings. Carrick has enjoyed a successful start to his interim role, achieving three consecutive victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham.

As United prepares to appoint a permanent manager in the summer, Carrick may soon be in a position to develop long-term plans, including decisions regarding Rashford’s future.

There have been reports from Spain indicating that Barcelona is concerned about Rashford’s intentions, suggesting he could possibly return to English football. However, these claims have been dismissed by Mundo Deportivo, which states that Barcelona holds complete priority over the player in negotiations with Manchester United.

Rashford’s future is primarily in Barcelona’s hands; the €30 million purchase option in the agreement takes precedence over any intentions from United to bring him back. However, should Barcelona decide to renegotiate that figure, the original loan terms would no longer apply.

If a club grappling with well-documented financial challenges chooses to fulfill the €30 million (£26 million/$36 million) option, Manchester United could find themselves out of the running.

Rashford has avoided commenting on his future recently, though he has expressed a desire to remain at Barcelona instead of returning to the Premier League. In December 2025, he stated, “What I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal, but it’s not the reason I’m training hard and giving my all. My purpose is to win. Barca is a fantastic club, built to win titles. I’m settling in well at the club and in the city. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed.”

Rashford’s contract at Old Trafford runs through 2028, but it seems unlikely that this deal will be honored. Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, has indicated a desire to keep the 28-year-old beyond a summer that may involve World Cup duties with England.