Rashford and Onana to return to Manchester United next month! May need to subsidize their own departure, affecting Carrick's transfers

Rashford has reported early to the England national team’s World Cup training camp, and his dream of transferring to Barcelona is increasingly fading. The 28-year-old United star has been training individually at Inter Miami’s facilities, waiting for England’s pre-match base in Palm Beach to open, as he prepares for the final friendlies: this Saturday in Tampa against New Zealand and next Wednesday in Orlando against Costa Rica.

When Thomas Tuchel’s England side heads to Arlington, Texas to face Croatia, kicking off their World Cup Group L campaign, the deadline for Barcelona to activate Rashford’s €30 million (£26 million) buyout clause—June 15—will also arrive.

However, Barcelona are only willing to pay €15 million (£13 million) in transfer fees, and United have consistently refused to compromise on the buyout price. Barcelona have already spent £69.3 million (€80 million) to sign Rashford’s England rival Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, and are also eyeing a free transfer for Bernardo Silva.

Barcelona are also preparing to pay over £100 million to Atletico Madrid for Argentine striker Julian Alvarez, replacing Robert Lewandowski as the central forward. Rashford’s potential role at the Camp Nou is becoming increasingly insignificant.

Hansi Flick also has plenty of attacking options, including Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Fermin Lopez. Barcelona will certainly postpone any decision on Rashford until after June 15, and may even request another loan spell for him.

Rashford himself would prefer to return to the Camp Nou, while United are considering deals with other clubs. They also imagine that if he performs well at the World Cup, his value and appeal might rise. The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal, Tottenham, and Aston Villa are all interested in Rashford, with Villa having loaned him in the second half of last season. Even Real Madrid, soon to be managed by Jose Mourinho, along with Bayern Munich and Chelsea, have been linked with him.

But those are just rumors. Rashford’s weekly wage of £325,000 makes him less popular than imagined. Moreover, even if someone considers signing him, they would reference Barcelona’s offer. Rashford will turn 29 in October, and his style suggests he could experience a sudden decline, like players such as Salah and Torres.

Ironically, United are currently searching for a left winger, but do not consider bringing back Rashford, who scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in a single season at Barcelona. Rashford last played for the Red Devils, the club he supported since childhood, in December 2024.

Rashford may have to accept a significant pay cut to join another club. If so, he would certainly demand compensation from United. Without question, it is nearly impossible for United to find a new home for Rashford before the World Cup; after the tournament, he is very likely to return to Carrington.

Last summer, Rashford was banned from the dressing room there, becoming one of the “five rats” along with Garnacho, Sancho, Antony, and Malacia. It is unclear how United will handle this situation. If Carrick follows Ruben Amorim’s approach, Rashford won’t be alone. Goalkeeper Andre Onana faces a similar predicament after completing a season-long loan at Trabzonspor.

The 30-year-old Onana helped Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup, but has no future at United. Sena Lammers has taken his place; Lammers was named the Premier League’s best signing of the season on Monday—his performances are not dazzling, but they are consistent.

Trabzonspor wants to keep Onana and hopes to extend his loan for another year. United would prefer to sell him, but Onana’s £125,000 weekly wage is also a hurdle. The club will struggle to recoup even half of his €50 million transfer fee; a third would be considered acceptable.

Onana will report back earlier than Rashford because Cameroon did not qualify for the World Cup. In early July, he will be among the first players to return to Carrington. Onana himself is happy to stay, confident in his ability to compete with Lammers.

If Rashford and Onana do not leave, United’s plans to sign a new striker and goalkeeper cannot proceed. Carrick’s squad rebuild will have to slow down, as the club’s cash budget for the summer transfer window will primarily be used to bring in a new midfielder.