Rashford set for August return to United as Barcelona permanent move collapses

Marcus Rashford is on course to return to Manchester United for pre-season training around 10 August, with Barcelona having opted against signing him permanently despite a productive loan spell that yielded 14 goals and 14 assists as the Spanish club won La Liga.

Barcelona had the option to sign Rashford for £26m but instead moved to recruit Anthony Gordon from Newcastle in a £69m deal, ending any prospect of a permanent switch to the Camp Nou. The 28-year-old, who earns £325,000 per week on a contract running until 2027, now faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford.

Rashford represented England at the World Cup, making two starts at the tournament before coming off the bench in the semi-final defeat to Argentina, which England lost 2-1. With England still to face France in Saturday’s third-place play-off, a flight home the following day and the customary three-week rest period United afford international players would place his return to Carrington on Monday, 10 August.

The club has a clear precedent for that timeline. Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot returned to training 28 days after Portugal’s Euro 2024 quarter-final exit, while Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo were given 22 days following England’s defeat in that tournament’s final.

United manager Michael Carrick has not closed the door on Rashford’s reintegration. Asked about the forward’s future at the end of last season, Carrick said: “I just think there are decisions to be made in time, really, on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation. But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided.”

When pressed on whether he would rule out a return, Carrick added: “I’m not going on the Marcus individual one, because I think to comment either way at this stage is just not the right thing to do, because there’s uncertainties, for sure. But for me, individual players who I’m able to work with in this part of the squad — I enjoy doing that, and trying to get the best out of them.”

Carrick has a long-standing connection with Rashford, having played alongside him, coached him at United, and briefly managed him during a caretaker spell. The club has held positive talks with Rashford’s representatives and is open to him returning for pre-season.

Nevertheless, interest from other clubs remains and United would consider an exit if a suitable offer arrives. Rashford signed his current deal in the summer of 2023 following a 30-goal season, but fell out of favour under Erik ten Hag before the loan to Barcelona was arranged.