Rashford talks scheduled this week as United plan six further signings after Ederson deal

Manchester United will sit down with Marcus Rashford this week to determine the England winger’s future, with a £26 million permanent move to Barcelona the most likely outcome — though the club has made clear it will not negotiate the fee down or sanction another loan.

Rashford spent last season on loan at the Camp Nou, scoring 14 goals and registering 14 assists. Both the player and Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick are said to want the arrangement made permanent, and United’s position is straightforward: a sale at the agreed price or a return to Old Trafford. A second season-long loan, which Barcelona had reportedly floated as a preference, has been ruled out by the club.

New United manager Michael Carrick is understood to be open to Rashford coming back into the fold, but the 28-year-old’s priority is a long-term contract at Barcelona. Adding another dimension to the situation, José Mourinho is reportedly interested in signing Rashford should he be appointed Real Madrid manager — though ongoing elections at the Bernabéu are delaying any such appointment.

This week’s discussions are expected to bring meaningful clarity, with all parties aware of the key figures and conditions involved.

The Rashford talks form just one strand of a busy summer at Old Trafford. United are closing in on their first signing of the window — reported to be goalkeeper Ederson — with at least six further transfers understood to be in the pipeline. The flurry of activity is partly designed to persuade Bruno Fernandes to sign a new contract, as Carrick attempts to demonstrate the club’s ambitions as a genuine title contender.

The urgency around United’s recruitment reflects a broader reset under Carrick, who has inherited a squad in need of significant reinforcement after a turbulent period under Erik ten Hag and Rúben Amorim.