Insider: Marcus Rashford's move is 'off' after new Man United twist
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(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago) Mon 1 June 2026 15:00, UK Marcus Rashford is currently set to return to Manchester United after Barcelona have again failed to reach a breakthrough in negotiations over a deal.Following the £69million signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, doubts have arisen about whether the Spanish giants will be able to afford Rashford.Man United are said to have been left frustrated in negotiations and are standing firm by their demand that Barcelona pay the £26million buy option included in his loan deal.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Barcelona are keen to land the 28-year-old on another loan deal, but that has been ruled out.Michael Carrick’s side hope to raise funds through the sale of Rashford as Man United establish ambitious transfer plans, and will not entertain a cut-price move. 🔄 Man United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signing scoops, departures, and contract news from the United boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Could Barcelona agree a deal for Marcus Rashford?Brown told Football Insider last month that Man United would not negotiate Rashford’s price tag, with no plans to accept below the £26million fee this summer.Despite having completed the deal for Gordon, they remain keen for the Man United star to return, but any move is growing increasingly unlikely.Marcus RashfordBarcelona StatsAppearances49Starts26Minutes Played2622Goals14Assists14Marcus Rashford’s stats for Barcelona in the 2025-26 season.
(via Transfermarkt)Frustrations have grown at Old Trafford, and alternative options are now being considered, with Barcelona’s low-ball tactics said to be causing a rift.“Barcelona have been trying to get Rashford on the cheap,” Brown told Football Insider.“From Man United’s point of view, £26million is already cheap, but they want to either lower that price or sign him on another loan deal.“That’s not going to work, so as things stand, that deal is off because Barcelona won’t come up with the money that United are asking for.“It’s even more frustrating for the club seeing them go out and spend on Anthony Gordon, because the money has obviously been there for them to spend.“In hindsight, Man United should have included an obligation to buy rather than an option, but that isn’t the case so they’ve gone right back to square one.“It will be a test of their strength in negotiations, because they’re planning to stick to their price tag and then see who moves first, with Rashford now set to return.”How does Rashford feel about his Barcelona move?Rashford’s move to Barcelona now looks in jeopardy despite initial expectations that he would make the move permanent following a successful loan spell.Instead, he will return to Old Trafford after going away to the World Cup with England, before his long-term future is decided whatever that may be.Credit: ImagoHowever, Football Insider revealed last month that Rashford has his heart set on Barcelona and is not currently considering a move elsewhere.While it may be out of his hands as things stand, Rashford’s intention is to remain in Barcelona, and the two clubs are still working towards that end.A long-term return to Old Trafford is considered unlikely, while a number of Premier League clubs as well as Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be interested. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man United Insider Access Get the full story from Old Trafford and Carrington with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Old Trafford.