Manchester United have reportedly made it clear that Marcus Rashford is no longer part of the club’s long-term plans, despite ongoing speculation surrounding his loan spell at Barcelona. The Red Devils are believed to be prioritizing the search for a new forward rather than considering a recall of Rashford and reintegrating him into the first team.
Rashford is currently spending the 2025/2026 season on loan at Barcelona, with the Catalan giants holding an option to sign him permanently for a reported fee of £26 million. While that clause remains active, uncertainty continues to surround both Rashford’s role at Camp Nou and Manchester United’s intentions once the season concludes.
Manchester United Never Considered January Recall
Despite Manchester United’s attacking struggles earlier in the campaign, the club never planned to bring Rashford back during the January 2026 transfer window. This stance was maintained even though interim manager Michael Carrick has a long-standing professional relationship with the England international.
Carrick previously worked closely with Rashford for more than three years during his time as a first-team coach and later as interim manager at Old Trafford. However, sources close to the club suggest that Carrick did not view Rashford as a short-term solution, nor did he push for the winger’s return.
According to reports, Carrick is focused on navigating the remainder of the season rather than shaping long-term squad planning. With his interim contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, any decisions regarding Rashford’s future have largely been left to the club’s senior hierarchy.
United Executives Signal No Change in Rashford Stance
Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox are currently assessing candidates for the permanent managerial position ahead of next season. Throughout that process, club insiders indicate there has been no shift in the club’s position regarding Rashford.
The forward has not featured for Manchester United since December 2024, marking a prolonged absence from competitive action in a United shirt. His situation deteriorated further under former head coach Ruben Amorim, who reassigned Rashford’s iconic No. 10 shirt to Matheus Cunha.
During the 2025 pre-season, Rashford was instructed to train separately from the main squad alongside several other players deemed surplus to requirements. That decision effectively ended his Manchester United chapter, paving the way for his loan move to Barcelona in late July 2025.
Squad Rebuild Points Away from Rashford Return
United’s transfer strategy for the upcoming summer window is expected to focus on reinforcing the attacking unit, particularly on the left flank. Following Rashford’s departure and the permanent sale of Alejandro Garnacho, the Red Devils are short of natural left-sided wingers.
Rather than revisiting past options, the club is believed to be targeting younger profiles who align with a longer-term rebuild. This approach further reduces the likelihood of Rashford being recalled or reintegrated, even though he remains under contract until 2028.
From United’s perspective, a permanent sale in the summer of 2026 would represent the most logical outcome, especially if Barcelona choose not to activate their purchase option.
Rashford’s Mixed Spell at Barcelona
While Rashford has shown flashes of quality in Spain, his position at Barcelona remains far from secure. The England international has started Barcelona’s last two matches but endured a difficult period in January 2026, when he spent five consecutive games on the bench.
Rashford joined Barcelona after the club failed in their attempts to sign Inaki Williams and Luis Díaz. Initially viewed as a versatile attacking option, he has since contributed 10 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions for the reigning La Liga champions.
Although those numbers are respectable, they have not fully convinced critics or guaranteed him a central role in the squad. Competition for attacking places remains fierce, and Rashford’s minutes have fluctuated throughout the season.
Political Uncertainty Clouds Rashford’s Camp Nou Future
Rashford’s long-term future at Barcelona could also be influenced by off-field developments. The club is approaching a crucial presidential election, and current president Joan Laporta faces a strong challenge from Victor Font.
Font has openly expressed his intention to overhaul Barcelona’s sporting structure if elected, including removing current sporting director Deco. Deco played a key role in orchestrating Rashford’s loan move from Manchester United, meaning a leadership change could significantly alter the winger’s standing at the club.
Should Laporta lose the election, Rashford’s chances of securing a permanent deal at Camp Nou may diminish, regardless of his performances on the pitch.
A Career at a Crossroads
As things stand, Marcus Rashford finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career. Manchester United appear determined to move forward without him, while Barcelona have yet to commit fully to making his stay permanent.
With two powerful clubs hesitating to define his future, Rashford’s next steps could depend heavily on developments in the final months of the season. Whether he earns a permanent move to Spain, secures a transfer elsewhere, or faces a return to Old Trafford without a clear role remains one of the most intriguing storylines ahead of the summer transfer window.
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