Rashford's future uncertain as Barcelona deadline passes

Marcus Rashford did not appear preoccupied with his future as he trained with the England squad in Kansas City, where temperatures exceeded 30°C. For now, his focus remains on the national team as they prepare for their World Cup Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday.

The deadline for Barcelona to trigger a £26 million clause to make Rashford's loan permanent passed on Monday without being activated, a development that came as no surprise. On July 1, Rashford will officially return to being a Manchester United player, with a £325,000-a-week contract that still has two years remaining.

Return to Manchester United?

In theory, Rashford could rejoin his boyhood club and resume his career under head coach Michael Carrick, who has worked with him as a teammate, coach, and interim manager. When asked about Rashford in April, Carrick said no decision had been made about the attacker's future, adding: "Whoever's here, I want to work with them and help them to improve."

However, the situation is complicated. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe aims to reduce wage costs, and Rashford's high salary makes him a prime candidate for departure. Additionally, United gave Rashford's number 10 shirt to Matheus Cunha last season and are unlikely to reclaim it. The club's summer rebuilding plans are being made under the assumption that Rashford will not be part of the squad.

Previous tensions and new regulations

Last season, then-manager Ruben Amorim placed Rashford in a 'bomb squad' alongside Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia, requiring them to train separately from the main group. However, a recent memorandum of understanding between FIFA and global players' union FIFpro stipulates that any player exiled from the main group can demand release and payment of their contract. This likely prevents United from ostracizing Rashford again.

For now, United expects Rashford to return after his post-World Cup break, potentially in time for a training camp in the Republic of Ireland.

Potential options

Manchester United may hope Rashford performs well at the World Cup to attract more clubs and facilitate a transfer. However, United cannot sell him to a club he does not wish to join. Rashford has just won the Spanish title with Barcelona and reached the Champions League quarter-finals, demonstrating his belief in his ability to compete at the highest level.

Bayern Munich has been mentioned as a potential suitor, as has Aston Villa, where Rashford spent the second half of the 2024-25 season and which has qualified for the Champions League. A return to Barcelona remains a possibility, with bookmakers favoring this option. During his loan spell, Rashford scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists, making a significant contribution even if he did not start every match.