United's interest in Casado could reopen Barcelona door for Rashford this summer

Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claiming the 23-year-old has emerged as a summer target — a development that could have significant knock-on consequences for Marcus Rashford’s future.

Casado made 34 appearances for Barcelona last season, operating predominantly in a defensive midfield role. United face competition from Bayer Leverkusen for his signature, and it remains unclear whether their interest will translate into a formal bid.

The reported pursuit of Casado comes as United continue to reshape their midfield. Casemiro has already left on a free transfer, and the club have agreed a deal to sign Atalanta’s Ederson for an initial £35m, rising to £38.8m with add-ons. Despite that incoming deal, United are still being linked with further reinforcements in the engine room.

The Casado story carries an indirect implication for Rashford. The England forward spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and registering 14 assists across all competitions. He has publicly expressed a desire to stay at the club permanently, and Barcelona hold a £26m purchase option — one they are now reportedly not planning to exercise.

Barcelona have instead committed €80m (£69m) to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, with the former Everton winger occupying the same wide position as Rashford. That decision effectively closed the door on a permanent deal.

However, if United were to sign Casado, the transfer could theoretically create fresh leverage or goodwill in negotiations between the two clubs, potentially opening the way for another loan arrangement for Rashford. Whether United’s monitoring of Casado amounts to genuine intent — and whether Barcelona would entertain further business involving Rashford on the back of it — remains to be seen as the summer window develops.