Marcus Rashford has made it clear to Manchester United that they only have one option with his future and has told the club not to even bother considering other alternatives.
Frozen out under Ruben Amorim a year ago, Rashford has spent the last four months with Barcelona, where he has established himself as a vital component in Hansi Flick’s plans.
The England international has scored six goals and created eight more for the Blaugrana in 20 appearances, directly contributing to a goal every 95 minutes he’s been on the field.
Barcelona want to keep the 28-year-old, who is under contract with Man Utd until June 2028, but the Catalans face financial problems.
With the Blaugrana uncertain that they will be able to match Rashford’s bargain €30-35 million buyout fee – his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €52.2 million – alternative paths for the forward have been mentioned as a possibility.
Premier League sides are said to be circling, but according to TeamTalk, Rashford has given United strict instructions not to accept any bids from elsewhere in England.
His heart is set on Barcelona, it is claimed, and if his wish is not granted, he will play for the Red Devils’ reserve team next season.
Manchester United are looking for a solution and have opened talks with Barcelona over the possibility of another loan deal, the report claims.
Rashford has already accepted a wage cut to move to Camp Nou and given how much he appears to be enjoying life in Catalunya, it is likely that he would agree to move back on similar terms next season.
Quite what this would mean for him beyond that is unclear. Man Utd, for example, remain well placed to increase his buyout fee given the forward’s performance, which has seen his stock rise substantially in Spain.
With Rashford loaned out to Barcelona, United are short of attacking options but are set to receive an offer from Serie A club Roma for Joshua Zirkzee in January, Sky Sports reports.
The Giallorossi are ready to make a loan bid with a mandatory purchase option if certain conditions are triggered, but Man Utd are not “actively looking to sell” the Dutchman.
