Rashford officially declines a return to Manchester United, decision set before the World Cup! Barcelona changes stance, willing to offer €30 million

Regarding last week's English media claims about Carrick’s potential permanent appointment and his desire for United to retain Rashford, the 28-year-old English talent responded that he does not intend to return to Manchester. If Barcelona does not trigger the purchase clause, he will look to move to another club instead of remaining with the Red Devils.

After being loaned to Barcelona, Rashford has performed excellently, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists, achieving a "double-double." He ranks third in La Liga behind teammates Yamal and Ferran Pérez. Therefore, Barcelona’s €30 million buyout clause is considered a bargain. Rashford himself is happy living in Barcelona and hopes to make the move permanent after this season.

Barcelona currently lead La Liga ahead of Real Madrid and have advanced to the Champions League knockout stage. However, whether they will activate the €30 million buyout clause remains uncertain. One theory is that Barcelona wants to keep Rashford but is reluctant to pay the agreed fee, instead proposing a lower transfer price to Manchester United or a loan extension, aiming to finalize the purchase after the 2026/27 season.

However, Spain’s Marca reports that Barcelona has now changed its stance and is willing to pay the €30 million to permanently sign Rashford. If they proceed, it would be a "win-win-win" situation, especially for Rashford himself, who wants to stay at Camp Nou and fulfill his "Barça dream."

The UK’s Daily Mirror confirms that Rashford does not want to return to Carrington after this season ends. He wants to finalize his future before the 2026 World Cup in North America, so he won’t have to worry about transfer issues while representing England in the tournament.

England’s first World Cup match is set for June 17 against Croatia, just two weeks after Barcelona’s season concludes. Whether Carrick will be confirmed as Manchester United’s permanent manager and whether he truly wants to recall Rashford remains uncertain, but it is clear that Rashford is determined to stay at Barcelona.

Rashford has expressed his desire to remain at Barcelona, and the club’s decision-makers are impressed by his performances. However, they will wait until the summer transfer window approaches before making a final decision about his future.

Speaking about Rashford’s prospects at Barcelona, coach Hans Flick said: "Deco and I often discuss the team and what we can do. Marcus (Rashford) has performed excellently so far, but we must be cautious. Preparing for next season is Deco and the club’s responsibility, so we just have to be patient. There is plenty of time ahead—many months, days, and weeks. That’s the reality."

Even if Barcelona ultimately does not buy him, Rashford prefers to join another European club rather than return to Manchester United. English media are optimistic that Rashford will successfully leave and could be the first player sold by United this summer. As a homegrown talent, any transfer fee for Rashford would be pure profit, directly available for reinvestment.

Rashford’s departure, along with possible exits of players like Ügarte and Zirkzee, will provide Manchester United with more flexibility during the summer transfer window. The club’s transfer team is expected to prioritize signing midfielders, strikers, and left-wing forwards before the 2026/27 season.