After months of speculation, United now appear willing to consider offers for Rashford ahead of the January transfer window, following earlier talks about a summer move.
Rashford’s future at United has grown increasingly uncertain under new manager Rúben Amorim. Both he and teammate Alejandro Garnacho were omitted from the squad for the recent Manchester derby, with reports citing concerns about their attitudes as the reason for their exclusion.
On Tuesday, Rashford hinted at the possibility of pursuing a “new challenge,” further fueling speculation about his potential departure. His remarks have sparked debates about whether he is ready to seek opportunities away from Manchester United.
Despite the mounting rumors, Amorim sought to downplay the situation during a press conference on Wednesday, stressing Rashford’s importance to the team and suggesting the club would benefit from retaining him. However, reports from Spain suggest that negotiations are already underway for a swap deal that would see Rashford join Barcelona, with Frenkie de Jong moving to United.
De Jong, a long-time target for Manchester United, has struggled for regular playing time under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, starting only two matches this season. Additionally, his high wages have reportedly made him a candidate for departure as Barcelona look to balance their books.
Amorim reportedly views De Jong as a crucial addition to strengthen United’s midfield and align with his long-term vision for the squad. Sources indicate that the proposed swap deal has already been presented to Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.
While Amorim continues to publicly commend Rashford’s talents, insiders suggest he may be taking a more calculated approach behind the scenes. According to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, Amorim’s decisions in the coming weeks will ultimately reveal his true stance on Rashford’s future.
Amorim has established rigorous standards for squad selection, and Rashford’s ability to meet those expectations could determine his fate. Both Rashford and Garnacho are under close observation during training, particularly as United prepare for key matches, including an EFL Cup clash against Tottenham.
Although Rashford has reportedly recovered from an illness that affected his training earlier this week, failure to perform could see him remain sidelined. With crucial Premier League fixtures against Bournemouth, Wolves, and Newcastle on the horizon, Rashford’s contributions under Amorim’s leadership will likely be pivotal in determining whether he stays at Old Trafford or secures a high-profile move to Barcelona in January.
