Manchester United are increasingly committed to a new long-term direction, with club officials now planning for the 2026/2027 season without Marcus Rashford in their project. The shift signals a significant turning point for both the player and the club he has represented for nearly two decades.
The 28-year-old forward is currently spending the entire season on loan at Barcelona, a deal that includes a £26 million permanent purchase option. Behind the scenes, multiple sources indicate that United never intended to reintegrate Rashford during the January transfer window—and that stance has remained unchanged despite the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach.
Carrick Focused on Short-Term Goals, Not Rashford’s Return
Carrick, who worked closely with Rashford for more than three years during his time as a first-team coach and interim manager, is reportedly not considering a recall for the England international. His attention is firmly on navigating the remainder of the current campaign.
With Carrick’s contract running only until the end of the season, he has no direct involvement in long-term squad planning, including decisions for the upcoming summer transfer window. Strategic calls regarding Rashford’s future are instead being handled by the club’s executive leadership.
Rashford’s Standing at Old Trafford Continues to Decline
The responsibility for shaping United’s long-term vision now lies with CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox, who are also preparing for the appointment of a permanent head coach.
Rashford has not featured for Manchester United since December 2024, and his standing within the squad deteriorated sharply under former manager Ruben Amorim. During that period, Rashford lost the iconic No.10 shirt, which was reassigned to Matheus Cunha.
He was also instructed to train away from the main group during pre-season, a clear signal that he was no longer central to the club’s plans. The situation ultimately led to his loan move to Barcelona at the end of July.
Manchester United Forced Into the Winger Market
Rashford’s departure, combined with the sale of Alejandro Garnacho, has left Manchester United dangerously thin on the left flank. As a result, the club is expected to prioritize signing a natural left winger in the summer transfer window.
The shortage is further compounded by Jadon Sancho, who is currently on his third consecutive loan spell, this time with Aston Villa. Sancho is set to leave permanently when his contract expires at the end of June, effectively closing the chapter on his United career.
Although Rashford remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028, insiders suggest a permanent transfer next summer is increasingly likely, especially if Barcelona activate their purchase clause or another club steps in.
Rashford’s Mixed Form at Barcelona Raises Questions
Rashford joined Barcelona after the Catalan giants failed in their pursuits of Iñaki Williams and Luis Díaz. So far, his time at Camp Nou has been a mixed bag.
He has registered 10 goals in 34 appearances, a respectable return, but consistency has been an issue. While he started the last two matches, Rashford previously endured a run of five consecutive games on the bench throughout January, highlighting uncertainty over his role.
Political Turmoil Could Affect Rashford’s Barcelona Future
Rashford’s long-term prospects at Barcelona are also tied to the club’s internal politics. A potential presidential election shake-up could significantly alter his situation.
If current president Joan Laporta loses the election, challenger Victor Font has openly stated his intention to overhaul the club’s hierarchy. That includes plans to remove sporting director Deco, the key figure responsible for bringing Rashford to Catalonia.
Such changes could put Rashford’s position at Barcelona under review, regardless of his on-field contributions.
A Defining Crossroads for Club and Player
With Manchester United clearly moving on and Barcelona’s future leadership uncertain, Marcus Rashford now finds himself at a critical crossroads in his career.
For United, the path forward is clear: a new era built without one of their most recognizable academy graduates. For Rashford, the coming months will determine whether his future truly lies away from Old Trafford—or if yet another chapter awaits elsewhere in Europe.
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