United eye £28m Antonee Robinson as Rashford's Barcelona move collapses

Manchester United are targeting Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson in a deal worth around £28m, as the club prepares for a busy summer window ahead of Michael Carrick’s first full season as permanent head coach. Simultaneously, hopes of a clean resolution to Marcus Rashford’s future have dimmed significantly, with a permanent move to Barcelona now looking increasingly unlikely.

Rashford spent the 2024/25 season on loan at the Camp Nou, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists, and had been keen to extend his stay in Catalonia. However, the £26m release clause that would have facilitated a straightforward transfer has now expired, removing United’s most straightforward route to offloading the forward and his £325,000-per-week wages. Barcelona’s subsequent £70m signing of Anthony Gordon has further reduced the Spanish club’s appetite for another major attacking addition, though a renewed loan arrangement has not been completely ruled out.

With Bayern Munich and several Premier League clubs reported to be monitoring Rashford’s situation, United are expected to take a more proactive approach in finding him a destination rather than waiting on Barcelona to act.

On the incoming front, Robinson, 28, has been a reliable presence at Craven Cottage since joining Fulham in 2020 and is viewed as a potential long-term answer at left-back. The American international’s appeal is sharpened by the uncertainty surrounding Luke Shaw, whose contract expires next summer, and Tyrell Malacia, who is expected to leave the club. Shaw’s persistent injury record has made reinforcing the position a clear priority. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is also understood to be under consideration for the role.

United’s midfield remains the primary focus of their summer business. The club have all but secured Atalanta’s Ederson and are pursuing Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as Carrick looks to reshape the engine room ahead of a return to Champions League football.