Rashford rules out Fenerbahce move as United return looms after England's World Cup exit

Marcus Rashford has ruled out a move to Fenerbahce this summer and is set to return to Manchester United for pre-season, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, with the forward’s future coming into sharper focus following England’s World Cup semi-final exit on Wednesday.

Rashford, 28, spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions as Hansi Flick’s side won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. He believed those numbers were sufficient to earn a permanent deal, but Barcelona allowed their £26 million option to buy to expire on 15 June. The Catalan club have since signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £69 million and are closing in on Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund.

With Barcelona out of the picture, Fenerbahce emerged as a potential destination, but Romano reports that Rashford has no desire to move to Turkey and would prefer to stay in a major European league. United manager Michael Carrick is said to be keen to reintegrate him into the squad, and Rashford is expected back at Carrington for pre-season. He will only leave Old Trafford if a bid arrives from a top club, with Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Napoli among those linked.

Rashford addressed the uncertainty before England’s quarter-final against Norway, telling reporters he had wanted his club future resolved before the tournament began. “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.”

His focus on England ultimately ended in disappointment. The Three Lions were eliminated in the semi-final, losing 2-1 to Argentina in Atlanta, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive goal in the 92nd minute. Rashford came on deep into stoppage time and was unable to change the outcome. He had started two of England’s seven matches at the tournament, netting once — the fourth goal in the group-stage opener against Croatia.

With United’s non-World Cup players already back in pre-season training, Rashford’s situation is expected to be clarified once he returns to the club after a period of rest.