Man United set August 9 deadline to sell Rashford as Barcelona return ruled out

Manchester United have set August 9 as their internal deadline to finalise a permanent sale of Marcus Rashford, according to The Sun, with the club determined not to sanction another loan deal for the 28-year-old forward.

The date is significant because it marks the start of United’s pre-season training camp in Dublin — and it also aligns with the earliest point at which players involved in the 2026 World Cup final weekend could return to club duty. Under FIFA regulations, players must be given at least a three-week break after a tournament, meaning those who feature in the final on July 19 at New York’s New Jersey Stadium would be available from around that date.

Rashford is currently in North America with the England squad, preparing for their World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday. He has featured in four of England’s five games so far, scoring in the group-stage win over Croatia, before dropping to the bench for the 3-2 victory over Mexico.

A return to Barcelona, where Rashford spent last season on loan, has been ruled out. The Spanish club held an option to sign him permanently for £26 million but instead chose to spend £70 million on England teammate Anthony Gordon. With the option deadline now passed, United are searching for alternative buyers.

Rashford himself has made his position clear. Speaking ahead of England’s win over Mexico, he said: “I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup, I wanted [a transfer] done before. If it’s not, I wanted it to wait until after. I want to be fully present in the moment. We’re fighting for something special.”

Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs reported to have shown interest, but Rashford is said to be holding out for a move to a club competing in the Champions League next season — a condition that could narrow the field of realistic suitors considerably.

The forward’s loan spell at Barcelona produced 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, rehabilitating a reputation that had taken a significant hit during his final months at Old Trafford. Those numbers have renewed interest from clubs across Europe, though United’s insistence on a permanent deal rather than another temporary arrangement may complicate negotiations.