The scenarios facing Marcus Rashford and Manchester United amid question marks over the Barcelona forward’s future
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
10:02, 23 Jan 2026
Marcus Rashford’s future remains a source of intrigue(Image: Getty Images)
There are continued question marks over Marcus Rashford’s future following the change of manager at Manchester United.
Rashford’s Red Devils career looked dead and buried following his fallout with Ruben Amorim, which led to him being frozen out of the first-team squad and sent on loan to Aston Villa and then Barcelona.
However, the sacking of Amorim has potentially altered the landscape. Michael Carrick, who has played with and coached Rashford in the past, will be looking to do enough to land the job on a permanent basis in the summer.
As it stands, United look more likely to try and secure a top-tier coach to lead the side into next season. But where does that leave Rashford? MEN Sport looks at the potential options for the England forward…
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Sold this summer
United are still believed to be keen on cashing in on Rashford, whose Barca loan deal comes with an option to buy for around £26million.
Barca boss Hansi Flick recently praised Rashford’s “really good” performances this season but insisted no decision had been taken on buying the player outright. Other clubs will undoubtedly be sniffing around, though staying with Barcelona would be his preference.
Given the 28-year-old’s contract expires in 2028, that £26m fee would realistically decrease going forward, making the next window a prime time to bank as much as possible for him – particularly given his homegrown status when it comes to PSR.
Rashford has impressed at Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
Swap deal
United have been credited with an interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, who is said to be open to a move to the Premier League. With Casemiro’s summer exit confirmed, and Manuel Ugarte also linked with a departure, the position is very much top of the transfer priority list.
That raises the possibility of a potential swap deal involving Rashford. With both players carrying similar valuations, a deal could potentially be thrashed out in the summer.
However, that would hinge on Casado still being a Barca player at the end of the season. The 22-year-old is on the radar of Atletico Madrid, who are in the market for a midfielder after selling Conor Gallagher to Tottenham.
Marc Casado has been linked with United(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Another loan
This would be kicking the can down the road somewhat but cannot be ruled out and could make more financial sense for Barca. Another season-long loan could be agreed with an obligation to buy in the summer of 2027.
The sticking point in that scenario would be exactly how much that sum amounts to. Given the £26m figure has already been set, going much lower than that would make little sense from United’s perspective.
On the flip side, it does once again get his hefty £325k-a-week wages off the books for another year, freeing up space for some crucial summer signings.
Return to United
Despite Amorim’s departure, this still seems the least likely scenario. Rashford has made it clear he is happy at Barcelona, while a clean break with United may be best for both parties.
However, a return cannot be ruled out entirely following the change of manager. The next permanent boss, be it Carrick or someone else, may seek to reintegrate the forward.
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