Although the forward was watching on from the sidelines for Wednesday’s clash with Leeds United, Marcus Rashford could still depart Manchester United before the transfer window closes.
It’s thought that INEOS chiefs would accept a bid ahead of next month’s deadline as long as it matched their valuation of Rashford.
Marcus Rashford: The state of play
When put on the spot regarding his returning teammate mid-week, Noussair Mazraoui told reporters at Croke Park (via Manchester Evening News’ Steven Railston): “He could be a big one [new signing] this season. That is, of course, if he doesn’t leave.”
Rio Ferdinand: “Rashford is back at Manchester United at the training ground. He's like a purring Ferrari. He looks fit, he looks ready. And do you know what, there's a smile on his face and there's a little spring in his step. I hope he stays and he will be like a new signing… pic.twitter.com/xivsNJ91jH
Rashford has garnered interest from clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but is unwilling to make such moves – outside of Europe’s top-five leagues – at this stage of his career.
It’s left INEOS in a tricky situation, given they had approached the summer with the expectation he would be sold, originally through the £26 million buy option held by Barcelona.
Then, when the Blaugrana opted against paying the fee, the 28-year-old could’ve still been signed by any club except Liverpool and Manchester City for £40m thanks to a release clause in his contract.
However, that also expired last month, meaning any potential deal for Rashford would need to be re-negotiated.
When might Rashford play for United?
From Michael Carrick’s perspective, he’s more than happy to have a player who notched 28 goal contributions last season added to his ranks for his first full season as manager.
Rashford’s record across all competitions for Barcelona
Rashford was a standout performer at the Camp Nou, hence why it came as a shock that they turned down the chance to keep him permanently.
United fans are expecting to see him in action in red for the first time since December 2024 when Carrick’s men take on AC Milan on Saturday, which will see Rashford come up against the manager who exiled him from the first team at Old Trafford: Ruben Amorim.
