Rashford insists Barcelona transfer must wait until after World Cup exit

Marcus Rashford has made clear he wants no distractions over his Manchester United future until England’s World Cup campaign is over, after Barcelona declined to activate their £26m option to buy him following his loan spell at the club.

Rashford joined Barcelona on loan last summer after being frozen out of the United squad under head coach Ruben Amorim. He went on to score 14 goals and register 14 assists for the Catalan side, yet Barcelona ultimately chose to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69.3m instead of triggering the purchase clause. That deadline has since passed, and United are not willing to reopen negotiations with Barcelona on revised terms.

Speaking to journalists ahead of England’s round-of-16 trip to Mexico City, Rashford said he had been upfront with everyone involved about his preferred timeline. “I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup, I wanted it done before,” he said. “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.”

Despite the uncertainty, it is understood that positive talks have taken place between United and Rashford’s representatives. Should no transfer be agreed before he is due back at Carrington, Rashford is expected to train with the first team as normal ahead of the new season.

United players are scheduled to return for pre-season on 9 July, though those involved at the World Cup will be granted additional recovery time. The club has confirmed that returns will be staggered across July and August, with their first competitive fixture set for 22 August away at newly-promoted Hull City.