Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United for the start of pre-season training on Monday, despite ongoing uncertainty over his long-term future at the club.
The 27-year-old forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa after a public falling out with United manager Ruben Amorim, who exiled him from the squad in December.
At the time, Amorim expressed clear frustration with Rashford’s attitude and commitment, saying: “I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it.”
The remarks were a stark reflection of the breakdown in their relationship, with sources close to Rashford later indicating in April that it was highly unlikely he would ever play under the Portuguese coach again.
Despite that, Rashford is now expected to report for duty at Carrington when United’s pre-season begins.
Those close to the England international have insisted he has no issue with returning and is committed to fulfilling his obligations as the squad prepares for a busy summer schedule, which includes a friendly against Leeds in Stockholm on 19 July, followed by a tour of the United States for the Premier League Summer Series.
Rashford, who joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of seven, has spent two decades at the club, scoring 138 goals in 426 senior appearances.
🚨 Barcelona are planning new approach for Luis Diaz in the next days/weeks after Nico deal off.
Liverpool already closed doors to both Barça and FC Bayern in the recent weeks; not an easy one.
Marcus Rashford also remains still keen on Barça move.
🎥 https://t.co/VIlzdLPEn8 pic.twitter.com/hxJsJiQTYl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2025
His loan spell at Villa saw him contribute four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery. Despite speculation surrounding his future, United are yet to receive any formal bids, though they are believed to value him at around £40 million.
Last month, Rashford sparked further intrigue over his intentions when he publicly admitted he would like to play alongside Lamine Yamal at Barcelona.
That comment, at the time, appeared speculative, but recent developments in Spain have given it new context.
Barcelona’s ambitious move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams collapsed this week with the 21-year-old signing a long-term extension until 2035.
With their top attacking target now off the table, Barca are being forced to reconsider their options, and Rashford has re-emerged as a potential candidate.
However, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz is currently the Catalan club’s primary focus.
Head coach Hansi Flick is a long-time admirer of the Colombian winger, but Barcelona’s financial restrictions mean a deal could prove challenging unless they can raise significant funds through player sales.
Should Liverpool refuse to let Diaz leave or price him out of reach, Barcelona are expected to pivot back towards Rashford, who remains keen on a new challenge abroad.
With no shortage of attacking pedigree and a transfer fee within reach compared to other targets, he is seen by some within the Barca hierarchy as a more attainable alternative, especially given United’s openness to negotiate.
