Rashford's transfer is only likely to the four major European giants, and staying at Manchester United is almost certain. Aston Villa has no intention to buy him again.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Rashford, who has finished his World Cup duties, is expected to return to Carrick's squad. Currently, the 28-year-old is on holiday, with a three-week break after the tournament. He will report back to the Red Devils around August 8, when the team will head to Dublin, Ireland for their final pre-season training camp.

Per Ornstein, the £40 million release clause in Rashford's contract (not applicable to Liverpool and Manchester City) expired on July 15, meaning any future transfer would require full negotiations. No club has made an offer for him so far, so he is expected to rejoin the team.

Ornstein also stated that only Europe's four top clubs—Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain—could attract Rashford. He explained: "Rashford only wants to stay at Manchester United in England, but if he receives offers from European giants like Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich, or Real Madrid, he would consider them."

Among these teams, Rashford most hopes to return to Barcelona. However, Manchester United insists on not renegotiating a lower price for the sale of Rashford with the La Liga champions and also refuses to consider loaning him out again. Meanwhile, it's questionable whether Barcelona still has interest in Rashford, as the club has already signed English winger Anthony Gordon and is about to bring in German striker Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund.

It is reported that a Saudi Pro League club offered wages even higher than what he currently earns at Manchester United, but Rashford flatly rejected the offer. Not only Saudi Arabia and the Turkish Super Lig, but Rashford also refuses to choose any other Premier League team. Of course, the top clubs have no interest in him, and among other teams, there are very few that could afford to buy him.

Aston Villa, where he was on loan, is one of those teams. Villa earned nearly £150 million from selling Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, but due to UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules and the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Regulations, buying Rashford would be the worst option, so they are not considering it either.

Rashford's decision to stay or leave will directly affect whether Manchester United strengthens their attack further. Ornstein said: "If Rashford stays, United will save on the transfer fee and agent commission for a new winger, freeing up resources for midfield reinforcements. The club also needs to decide whether to sell Zirkzee and at what price, as this will also impact their budget. Currently, there are both free-agent midfielders (likely with high wages) and players requiring transfer fees, so United has many factors to consider when making plans."

BBC's Simon Stone commented: "After a successful loan spell at Barcelona and representing England at the World Cup, Rashford is contemplating his future at Manchester United. His contract with United runs until 2028, with a weekly wage of £325,000. His permanent transfer clause has expired, and no club has shown interest in him. Due to his good relationship with Carrick, he is likely to return for pre-season, but not many clubs can afford his wages. The possibility of him staying at United after the September 1 transfer deadline remains the highest."

Sources close to Rashford emphasize that it is illogical to think any club would offer more than the €30 million buyout clause in his Barcelona loan contract. Therefore, there is absolutely no chance for United to sell Rashford at a higher price.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated that Rashford could still make a last-minute move. Romano noted: "Rashford will start pre-season training with Manchester United, and it is said he is very much looking forward to working with Carrick. Carrick is also excited about the opportunity to work with Rashford and hopes to help him revive his United career. Both United and Rashford are willing to give each other another chance. After pre-season, the two sides will decide whether to continue their partnership or sell Rashford."

So far this summer, no one has asked Carrick about his stance on Rashford's return to the squad. However, due to the Rashford situation, United has had to pause their pursuit of a left winger. Romano mentioned that United's interest in Dutch international Summerville has cooled because there is no room for a new signing if Rashford stays.

If Rashford leaves later, United may reconsider signing players like Summerville or Iliman Ndiaye. Romano also pointed out that United signed 18-year-old highly promising winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham for £4 million plus £4 million in add-ons, which is purely a youth investment.

After England's 6-4 victory over France in Miami to secure third place in the World Cup, Rashford posted on social media: "Disappointment is inevitable in football... Please keep believing in us, our chance will come. Now it's time for me to rest, reflect, spend quality time with family and friends, and return stronger."

Sources say Rashford feels relaxed about returning to Manchester United training. First, there is no adversarial relationship between him and new manager Carrick, unlike with Ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. Second, for most teams he would want to join, he would be a substitute, just like at United. Last but not least, his weekly wage of £325,000 is the highest in the squad, and no other club would match it.