Barcelona want Rashford at half-price as United eye Lille winger Fernandez-Pardo

Manchester United are resisting Barcelona’s attempt to sign Marcus Rashford at a discounted rate, with the La Liga champions understood to be offering £13 million — exactly half of the £26 million purchase option written into his loan agreement.

Rashford, 28, spent the season on loan at Barcelona and was part of the squad that won the La Liga title. Despite his productive campaign in Spain, the club have already signed left-winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69.3 million, complicating any permanent move for the England forward. Barcelona reportedly have until 15 June to activate the purchase clause, but according to Mail Sport, United have so far shown no willingness to accept anything below the agreed sum. Should United hold that position, Rashford will not be returning to Spain next season.

Speaking after Barcelona’s title win, Rashford was measured about his future. “This is the perfect way I want it to end. I’m very happy, I just want to enjoy today. I live in the moment,” he said. “At the end of the season we will see. I came here to win and we do this so I’m very happy.”

With Rashford’s situation unresolved, United are already identifying potential replacements in wide areas. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, manager Michael Carrick is preparing to compete with Manchester City for Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo. The 21-year-old has attracted attention ahead of what will be United’s return to Champions League football next season.

Carrick’s primary focus this summer is expected to be reinforcing United’s midfield, but with the club set to compete across four competitions, attacking depth is also on the agenda. United’s first pre-season fixture is approximately seven weeks away, adding urgency to the club’s recruitment plans.