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Manchester United report: Marcus Rashford transfer decision made, following 'repeat messages'

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Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has decided on his next move ahead of a new challenge away from Old Trafford

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United looks dejected after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Old Trafford on December 07, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Rashford has made his mind up on his future (Image credit: Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford is leaving Manchester United for good this summer, with a decision made over his preferred destination.

The England international has been on United's books for 20 years, joining in 2005 as a seven-year-old, but left in January to join Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season, where he made 17 appearances.

But having been exiled by Ruben Amorim, it appears that there is no way back for Rashford, who is still looking to force a way into Thomas Tuchel's 2026 World Cup squad.

Marcus Rashford decision reached, with permanent Manchester United exit on the cards

Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa looks on during the Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion in Falmer, England on 2 April, 2025.

(Image credit: Alamy)

Rashford impressed at Villa last season, displacing Ollie Watkins as Unai Emery's first-choice striker for the Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain, in which the Villans were eventually eliminated.

With the Midlands side struggling with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns and Amorim having made it clear that he wants fresh impetus in attack, with the signing of Matheus Cunha and the pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, Rashford's options appear to be elsewhere.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has agreed a deal for his second signing of the summer

Ruben Amorim doesn't want Rashford back (Image credit: Getty Images)

Spanish title Marca reports that Rashford remains determined to sign for Barcelona this summer and has sent “repeat messages” to those close to him about the desire for a move to Catalonia.

It is even suggested that the 27-year-old is willing to make significant sacrifices over wages and playing time in order to secure the move, with Capology estimating him to be earning a base wage of £225,000-a-week.

FourFourTwo understands, however, that the move is complicated by Barça's own plans: Nico Williams and Luis Diaz are higher on the priority list than Rashford, though cost is an issue in both of those potential transfers.

Rashford may well be a cost-effective fallback option for Blaugrana chief Hansi Flick, with Sport reporting via Sport Witness that the attacker will leave United for £34 million.

Hansi Flick

Rashford wants to play for Hansi Flick (Image credit: Getty Images)

This is significantly cheaper than the proposed £58m release clause on Williams and £72m asking price that Liverpool have set for Diaz.

Transfermarkt values Rashford at €50m.

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.