Barcelona’s loan agreement for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is quickly becoming a source of regret for the Old Trafford hierarchy. While Rashford has found a revitalized form in Spain, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances this season, United officials now believe they could have commanded a significantly higher fee than the current £26 million (€30m) buyout option.
The situation has been complicated by a change in management at Manchester United. The departure of Ruben Amorim, who had effectively frozen Rashford out of the first-team picture, paved the way for interim boss Michael Carrick – a former teammate of the forward – to potentially offer a route back to the club. However, Rashford himself has publicly expressed a desire to remain at Barcelona, describing playing for the Catalan giants as an “honour” and believing their style of play better suits his game.
The initial loan deal, struck in the summer of 2026, came after Rashford spent the latter half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa. The move to Barcelona was facilitated by Rashford agreeing to a substantial pay cut, reducing his weekly wages from £300,000 to £225,000. This willingness to compromise financially underscored his desire to join the Spanish club.
Despite Barcelona’s interest, financial constraints continue to pose a significant hurdle to a permanent deal. The club is reportedly attempting to negotiate the £26 million purchase option downwards, but Manchester United are standing firm on the agreed-upon price. , Sky Sports News reported that United are not willing to re-negotiate the terms of the agreement, a stance that has reportedly dampened the chances of a deal being struck.
The frustration within Manchester United stems from a belief that Rashford’s value has increased during his time in Spain. INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s new ownership group, reportedly believe his current market value is closer to £50 million, and that other clubs would be willing to pay that amount for his services. This assessment has led to regret over the terms initially negotiated with Barcelona.
The dynamic has shifted considerably since the initial loan agreement. Amorim’s departure and Carrick’s appointment have opened a potential pathway for Rashford’s return, but his preference remains with Barcelona. Reports from Spain suggest Rashford is “assuming the worst-case scenario” and preparing for a likely return to Manchester United, largely due to United’s unwillingness to budge on the transfer fee.
While Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly keen to remove Rashford from the club’s wage bill, he is also hesitant to allow Barcelona to acquire the player at what he considers a bargain price. This internal conflict highlights the complex situation facing both clubs as the summer transfer window approaches.
The current impasse centers on the valuation of the forward. Barcelona hopes to secure a lower fee, while Manchester United are determined to uphold the original agreement. This standoff could potentially lead to a protracted negotiation or even force Rashford to return to Old Trafford against his wishes.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Rashford’s form in Barcelona has been impressive. He has become a vital component of Hansi Flick’s attacking lineup, demonstrating a level of performance that had been lacking during his final months at Manchester United. This resurgence has only served to increase his value in the eyes of potential suitors.
Rashford’s future remains uncertain. While he has expressed a clear desire to stay at Barcelona, the financial realities and Manchester United’s firm stance on the transfer fee could ultimately dictate his destination. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether he will continue his career in Catalonia or return to the club that once held so much promise.
